Mini-Documentary Magic

Ciara McNearly

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

Mini-Documentary Magic

Media Making

In this lesson, teens will learn the basics of creating a short documentary, including storytelling, filming, and editing. They will work in small groups to produce a 2-3 minute documentary on a topic of their choice. This lesson is important as it equips students with essential media production skills, encourages teamwork, and enhances their ability to tell impactful stories.

Audience

Teens

Time

1 hour

Approach

Media Making

Materials

Post-it notes, Pens, Smartphones or Tablets with Camera, Access to Video Editing App (e.g., iMovie), Worksheet: Documentary Planning, and Discussion Guide: Documentary Feedback

Step 1

Introduction to Documentaries

10 mins

Begin by discussing the purpose of documentaries and their impact on audiences.
Show examples of short documentaries. TED Talk: All It Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes
Share basic tips for creating an engaging documentary, such as focusing on a specific topic, incorporating interviews, and using visuals effectively.
Provide recording tips:
- Stability: Use a tripod or hold the camera steady.
- Lighting: Film in well-lit areas; natural light is best.
- Audio: Ensure clear sound by minimizing background noise.
- Angles: Use a variety of angles to keep the documentary interesting.
Provide editing tips:
- Trim Excess: Remove unnecessary footage to keep it concise.
- Transitions: Use smooth transitions between scenes.
- Subtitles/Text: Add text for emphasis or clarification.
- Music/Sound Effects: Use audio to enhance the mood.

Step 2

Documentary Planning Session

15 mins

Hand out the 'Documentary Planning' worksheet.
Guide students through brainstorming ideas for their documentaries.
Encourage them to consider elements such as the main topic, key message, interview questions, and visuals they want to include.
Have them sketch out a simple storyboard for their documentary.

Step 3

Content Creation

20 mins

Have students work in small groups to film and edit their short documentaries using their smartphones or tablets.
Circulate the room to provide support and answer any questions.
Encourage creativity and originality, and remind them of the tips discussed in the introduction.

Step 4

Presentation and Feedback

15 mins

Each group will present their documentary to the class.
Use the 'Documentary Feedback' discussion guide to facilitate constructive feedback from the class.
Highlight the strengths of each documentary and offer suggestions for improvement.

Worksheet

Documentary Planning

This worksheet will guide students through the process of planning their mini-documentary, from brainstorming ideas to sketching a storyboard.

What is the main topic of your documentary?

Choose a topic that you are passionate about or that you think will resonate with your audience.

What is the main message you want to convey?

Think about what you want your audience to take away from your documentary.

Who will you interview and what questions will you ask?

List potential interviewees and the key questions you want to ask them.

What visuals will you include?

Consider images, video clips, and any text overlays.

Sketch a simple storyboard for your documentary.

Draw a sequence of key scenes or frames to visualize how your documentary will unfold.

Discussion

Documentary Feedback

This discussion guide will help facilitate constructive feedback sessions for the students' mini-documentaries, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

What did you like about the documentary?

Encourage students to mention specific elements such as visuals, creativity, and overall impact.

What could be improved?

Guide students to provide constructive criticism, focusing on areas such as clarity of message, technical quality, and cohesiveness.

How did the documentary make you feel?

Discuss the emotional impact of the documentary and how it achieved that effect.

Would you share this documentary with others? Why or why not?

Explore the documentary's potential to inform and engage an audience.