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Block 1: Welcome to the Show! Intro to Media Presentation

Activities:

  • What is Media Art Presentation? (15 mins): Discussion about different types of media art presentations (e.g., YouTube videos, short films, news segments, vlogs, animated stories, narrated slideshows). Watch a few short, age-appropriate examples. Discuss what makes them engaging.
  • Brainstorm Bonanza! (20 mins): Brainstorm ideas for Cora’s own mini media broadcast. What topics is she passionate about? What stories does she want to tell? What information could she share? Think about: a hobby highlight, a fictional news report, a "how-to" guide, a book/game review, a short documentary about a pet or family member.
  • Homework: Think about your top 2-3 ideas and why you're excited about them.

Block 2: Picking Your Star Idea!

Activities:

  • Idea Showcase (15 mins): Cora shares her top ideas. Discuss the pros and cons of each for a short broadcast. Which idea feels most exciting and achievable? Select one idea to develop.
  • The Big Idea (15 mins): Define the central message or goal of the chosen broadcast. What does Cora want her audience to think, feel, or learn? Write this down.
  • Content & Form Sketch (10 mins): Briefly sketch out what kinds of content (video clips, voiceover, on-screen text, images, music) and forms (interview, demonstration, storytelling) might be used.

Block 3: Lights, Camera, Script! Planning Your Story

Activities:

  • Role Play: The Writer/Director (5 mins): Discuss the roles of a writer (creating the story/dialogue) and director (visualizing the story). Cora will wear these hats today!
  • Storyboarding or Scripting (30 mins): Depending on the chosen format:
    • For visual stories: Create a simple storyboard (sequence of drawings showing key scenes).
    • For informational/narrative pieces: Write a basic script or outline of what will be said and shown.
  • Initial Review (5 mins): Read through the script/storyboard. Does it flow well? Is it clear?

Block 4: Setting the Scene! Design and Visuals

Activities:

  • Role Play: The Production Designer (5 mins): Discuss the role of a production designer (creating the look and feel).
  • Visual Brainstorm (15 mins): What will the "set" look like? Any props needed? Costumes? What about on-screen graphics or titles (even simple ones)? Sketch ideas.
  • Resource Check (15 mins): What materials are available at home to create these visuals? Can simple things be used in creative ways?
  • Gather Materials (5 mins): Start collecting or noting down needed items.

Block 5: Tech Time! Gear Up for Production

Activities:

  • Role Play: The Technical Crew (5 mins): Discuss roles like camera operator, sound recordist.
  • Equipment Check (15 mins):
    • Camera: Smartphone or simple camera. Practice holding it steady. Discuss basic shot types (wide, medium, close-up).
    • Sound: Test phone microphone. Discuss speaking clearly and minimizing background noise.
    • Lighting: Find a well-lit spot. Discuss natural light vs. simple lamps.
  • Experimental Shots (15 mins): Try a few practice shots. How does the angle change the feel? What if we try an unusual perspective (e.g., from the floor looking up, or a P.O.V. shot)?
  • Production Plan (5 mins): Briefly list what needs to be filmed first.

Block 6: Action! First Filming Session

Activities:

  • Warm-up & Review (5 mins): Review the script/storyboard and the first segment to be filmed. Cora as "Performer/Presenter."
  • Filming - Segment 1 (30 mins):
    • Set up the "set" and camera.
    • Practice the segment a couple of times.
    • Record the segment. Do a few takes if needed. Focus on clear speech and engaging presentation.
  • Quick Review (5 mins): Watch back the footage. Anything to adjust for next time?

Block 7: More Filming & Creative Angles

Activities:

  • Review & Plan (5 mins): Review what was filmed. Plan for the next segment(s).
  • Filming - Segment 2 (30 mins):
    • Continue filming according to the script/storyboard.
    • Experiment: Try one or two "experimental" shots or techniques discussed in Block 5. Maybe a different camera angle, a quick zoom, or a silent scene with just visuals.
  • Problem Solving (5 mins): Did any challenges come up during filming? How were they solved?

Block 8: Pickups, B-Roll, and Wrapping Production

Activities:

  • Footage Review (10 mins): Watch all footage shot so far. Are there any gaps? Scenes that need re-shooting (pickups)?
  • B-Roll Hunt (20 mins): "B-roll" is extra footage that can be used to add visual interest or cover edits (e.g., close-ups of objects, shots of the environment). Film some B-roll related to Cora’s topic.
  • Final Production Check (10 mins): Is all the necessary raw footage captured? Discuss the importance of self-initiative in making sure everything is ready for editing.

Block 9: The Cutting Room! Intro to Editing

Activities:

  • Role Play: The Editor (5 mins): Discuss the editor's role in assembling footage, making cuts, and shaping the final story.
  • Editing Software Exploration (15 mins): Introduce simple video editing software (e.g., iMovie, CapCut, OpenShot, or even a slideshow program if video editing is too complex). Learn basic functions: importing clips, trimming, arranging on a timeline.
  • First Assembly (20 mins): Start assembling the main video clips in sequence according to the script/storyboard. Don't worry about perfection yet.

Block 10: Polish and Shine! Refining Your Edit

Activities:

  • Adding Details (20 mins):
    • Add simple titles or text overlays.
    • Incorporate B-roll footage.
    • If desired, find and add royalty-free music or sound effects. Ensure these support the central idea.
  • Review and Refine (15 mins): Watch the edited piece. Are there any awkward cuts? Is the pacing good? Make adjustments.
  • Exporting (5 mins): Learn how to export the final video file.

Block 11: Showtime! Presenting Your Media Art

Activities:

  • Preparation for Presentation (10 mins): Discuss who the audience will be (e.g., family). How will it be shown (e.g., on a TV, computer)? Is there anything Cora wants to say before or after showing it?
  • The Grand Premiere! (15 mins): Cora presents her finished media artwork to her chosen audience.
  • Audience Feedback (15 mins): (Optional, gentle) Gather some initial reactions from the audience. What did they like? What did they understand from it?

Block 12: Encore! Reflection and Future Ideas

Activities:

  • Self-Reflection: The Creator's View (15 mins): Cora discusses her experience:
    • What was her favorite part of making the broadcast?
    • What was the most challenging part? How did she overcome it?
    • What did she learn about the different roles (writer, director, performer, editor, etc.)?
    • How did integrating different elements (video, sound, text) help convey her central idea?
  • Analyzing the Presentation (15 mins):
    • How effective was the presentation format she chose?
    • If she were to do it again, what might she do differently in the production or presentation?
    • How does her project compare to the professional examples they looked at in Block 1?
  • Future Fun (10 mins): Brainstorm ideas for future media art projects! What other stories could she tell or skills could she explore?