Earth Day PSA

Teaching Theme of the Week

from Education World®

Students develop a short public service announcement (PSA) video to raise awareness about an environmental issue.

Subjects: Technology, Language

Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Objectives
Students will:

• define the term public-service announcement,
• develop ideas for a public-service announcement about an environmental issue,
• create props and/or costumes for the announcement,
• demonstrate creative thinking and writing skills,
• work together in a group to create a 30-second to one-minute PSA about an environmental issue, and
• learn about video equipment.

Keywords
Earth Day, public-service announcement, video, environment

Materials Needed

• a camcorder
• student-researched information about environmental issues from books, magazines, newspapers, and/or online sources
• student-selected props and/or costumes for the announcement
• pens or pencils
• television
• videocassette recorder
• videocassette tapes
• chalkboard and chalk

Procedure
This project should be completed over several lessons. The teacher decides the length of time needed to complete the project; the length of the project depends on the ages and abilities of the students.

Before teaching the lesson:

• Learn as much as possible about your video equipment.
• Talk to a your school media specialist for tips and suggestions, or consult a print or online source about video production.
• Record public-service announcements from television.

Part 1

• Introduce the term public service announcement. Discuss the differences and similarities between a public-service announcement and a commercial for a product. Ask students what they think goes into making a PSA.
• Tell students that they are going to make a 30-second to
  one-minute PSA about an environmental issue. Discuss some environmental issues to consider for a PSA. List students' responses on the board. Let the class vote on a topic for the announcement.

Part 2

• Show examples of PSAs that you have taped. Discuss each one.
• Have students brainstorm ideas for their PSA.

Part 3

• Have students research information about the environmental topic for the public-service announcement.

Part 4

• Have students work together to write the script; choose the cast; make costumes, props, and scenery; and, create a list of shots.
• Let students practice the PSA, first without the camera, then with the camera.
  Note: The teacher should handle the equipment.
• Complete the filming of the announcement. Review and edit the tape.

Variations

• Idea 1: If school rules permit, let students assist in filming and editing the announcement.
• Idea 2: Let older students work in teams to create the announcement. Provide assistance when needed.

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