Digi-Power: Mastering Media & Mental Health

9th Grade

Project
6 weeks

Digi-Power: Mastering Media & Mental Health

Hannah Son

Purpose

This project empowers students to critically engage with digital technology by creating videos that address its influence on personal and societal levels. Students will explore complex themes such as media literacy, mental health, and online activism through hands-on production, fostering a deeper understanding of how technology shapes their lives. Each group will produce a 3-5 minute video, including a script with a topic summary, claims, evidence, and strategies for managing digital impacts. By participating in a film festival exhibition, students will articulate their insights and creative decisions, enhancing communication skills and collaborative learning. The project aims to cultivate informed digital citizens who can navigate and influence the digital landscape effectively.

Learning goals

Students will critically examine the multifaceted influence of digital technology on individuals and systems, honing skills to navigate and manage their digital presence effectively. They will produce engaging video narratives that showcase media literacy, focusing on discerning factual information from misinformation. Through collaborative efforts, students will investigate the relationship between digital media and mental health, utilizing research to suggest strategies for constructive digital engagement. They will also explore how social media can be leveraged for advocacy, drawing inspiration from case studies to fuel their creative projects. All students will actively contribute to their group work, ensuring equitable participation and documenting their roles clearly.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.8: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a series of short videos, each addressing one of the essential questions through a unique lens. Each group will produce a 3-5 minute video, which could be a public service announcement, a dramatization, or a narrative storytelling piece. The videos must include a script with a topic summary, a claim, supporting evidence, and strategies to address negative or positive consequences. The final products will be showcased at a film festival, where students will present their "director's notes" to explain their creative choices and the rationale behind their narratives. Throughout the project, students will engage in reading and analyzing relevant texts, conducting research, and participating in group discussions to inform their video content and ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topics.

Launch

Kick off the project by watching the "Nosedive" episode from Black Mirror, which vividly portrays digital technology's influence on identity and societal structures. Follow the viewing with a dynamic discussion where students share insights on how the episode reflects real-world digital interactions and their personal experiences. Set the stage for the project by highlighting that students will create a video exploring these themes, encouraging them to think critically about the questions they will address in their own narratives.

Exhibition

The film festival will feature students presenting their videos to an audience of peers, teachers, and parents, showcasing their exploration of digital technology's impact. Each group will share their "director's notes," explaining narrative choices, production decisions, and the rationale behind their project. Interactive Q&A sessions will encourage audience engagement, fostering dialogue about the themes and insights gained. This exhibition will highlight students' critical analysis and creative expression, demonstrating their ability to navigate and articulate the complexities of digital technology.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Launch Discussion - Watch the 'Nosedive' episode from Black Mirror and discuss the portrayal of digital technology's influence on identity and societal structures (45 min)	Essential Questions Exploration - Break into small groups to discuss the essential questions and brainstorm how these themes relate to personal experiences with technology (20 min) Group Formation and Project Goals - Form project groups and outline initial goals and roles for the video project (25 min)	Introduction to Digital Media Impact - Read and analyze short stories on digital technology's impact on personal identity and societal structures, focusing on empowerment and control (30 min) Reflection and Sharing - Share insights from the reading and relate them to the project theme within groups (15 min)	Research Skills Workshop - Conduct a mini-workshop on how to find and evaluate credible sources for researching digital media's effects on mental health (20 min) Initial Research - Begin researching assigned topics in groups and collect relevant articles and studies (25 min)	Scriptwriting Basics - Learn the basics of scriptwriting for short films, focusing on structure and narrative development (20 min) Creative Brainstorming - Start developing a narrative or concept for your group's video, using research insights and brainstorming strategies (25 min)
Deliverables
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Research Workshop - Students explore articles on digital technology's impact on mental health, privacy, and the attention economy, gathering evidence for their video scripts (45 min)	Script Development Session - Students draft a summary of their chosen topic and formulate a claim for their video, integrating research findings from Day 1 (20 min) Collaborative Writing - Small groups work together to outline their video scripts, ensuring inclusion of evidence and strategies to manage digital impacts (25 min)	Narrative Storyboarding - Teams create visual storyboards to map out their video narratives, incorporating both benefits and risks of digital technology (25 min) Peer Review - Students share storyboards with classmates for feedback, focusing on clarity and engagement (20 min)	Technical Workshop - Introduction to video production tools and techniques, emphasizing effective use of digital platforms for advocacy (20 min) Production Planning - Groups plan technical aspects of their videos, including roles and equitable division of work (25 min)	Filming Practice - Students engage in hands-on practice with cameras and filming equipment, testing shots for their videos (20 min) Reflective Discussion - Groups discuss the persuasive power of social media, connecting it to their video projects and advocacy goals (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed storyboard outlining the video narrative and key scenes. 2. First draft of the video script with a clear claim, evidence, and proposed strategies.
Preparation	1. Gather a list of reliable online and library resources for student research. 2. Provide storyboard templates and scriptwriting guides to support students' planning. 3. Organize a mini-workshop on effective storyboarding and scriptwriting techniques. 4. Ensure access to digital tools for research and scriptwriting, such as computers or tablets.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Research Findings Synthesis - Groups consolidate research findings and outline key points to include in their video scripts (20 min) Script Drafting - Begin drafting the script, focusing on integrating research into the narrative (25 min)	Peer Review Session - Exchange script drafts with another group for feedback, focusing on clarity and engagement (20 min) Revisions and Refinements - Incorporate feedback to enhance the script's narrative and evidence integration (25 min)	Storyboarding Workshop - Learn how to create a storyboard to visualize the video sequence, focusing on key scenes and transitions (20 min) Storyboard Creation - Start developing a storyboard for your group's video, aligning visuals with script content (25 min)	Technical Skills Training - Introduction to video filming techniques and equipment usage, covering camera angles and lighting (20 min) Filming Preparation - Plan filming logistics, including location scouting and role assignments within the group (25 min)	Filming Day 1 - Begin filming initial scenes, ensuring alignment with storyboard and script (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized script with topic summary, claims, evidence, and strategies. 2. Completed storyboard outlining each scene with visual and technical elements.
Preparation	1. Provide storyboard templates for students to sketch out their video sequences. 2. Arrange access to computers and software for digital script writing and storyboard creation. 3. Ensure availability of resources on effective scriptwriting and storyboarding techniques. 4. Set up consultation sessions with community partners like CUNY TV for feedback on script and storyboard development.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Script Review - Groups review and refine their scripts, ensuring alignment with essential questions and inclusion of evidence and strategies (25 min) Rehearsal and Feedback - Conduct a rehearsal of the script, focusing on delivery and timing, followed by peer feedback (20 min)	Filming Day 1 - Begin filming the video segments as per the storyboard, focusing on capturing high-quality footage (45 min)	Filming Day 2 - Continue and complete filming, ensuring all necessary scenes are captured and meet the narrative intentions (30 min) Initial Editing Workshop - Introduction to basic video editing software and techniques, starting with organizing footage (15 min)	Editing Session - Groups work on assembling their footage into a coherent sequence, ensuring narrative flow and clarity (30 min) Sound and Effects - Learn to incorporate sound and effects that enhance the video’s message and engagement (15 min)	Final Editing Touches - Complete final edits, focusing on polishing transitions, sound, and visual effects (30 min) Reflective Check-In - Discuss progress and challenges, aligning the project with original goals and narrative intentions (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized script including topic summary, claims, evidence, and strategies 2. Completed storyboard with detailed visual plan for the video 3. Initial filmed scenes for the group video project
Preparation	1. Secure camera equipment and tripods for student use 2. Reserve specific areas around the school for filming, if needed 3. Prepare a list of common filming techniques and tips for students to reference 4. Ensure access to editing software for post-production work 5. Facilitate a workshop on basic video editing skills to prepare for Week 5

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Peer Review and Feedback - Exchange finalized video drafts with another group for constructive feedback on narrative clarity and engagement (20 min) Incorporate Feedback - Groups revise their videos incorporating peer suggestions to enhance the final product (25 min)	Final Sound and Visual Effects - Refine sound and visual effects to ensure they align with and enhance the video's message (20 min) Director's Notes Preparation - Begin preparing 'Director's Notes' that explain narrative choices and creative decisions made during production (25 min)	Rehearse Presentation - Practice presenting the video and 'Director's Notes' to ensure clear communication of the project's goals and insights (20 min) Mock Q&A Session - Simulate a Q&A session with peers to anticipate possible questions and refine responses (25 min)	Final Video Polishing - Conduct a last review and polish of the video, ensuring all elements are cohesive and impactful (20 min) Reflective Session - Reflect on the learning journey, discussing challenges faced and skills gained throughout the project (25 min)	Technical Rehearsal - Conduct a final technical rehearsal for the exhibition, ensuring all equipment and presentations are ready (20 min) Final Team Check-In - Meet as a group to confirm readiness for the exhibition and offer encouragement and support (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed and edited video ready for presentation. 2. Written Artist Statement reflecting on the video creation process. 3. Preparation notes for Director’s Talk, including potential audience questions and answers.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to video editing software and equipment. 2. Provide guidelines and examples for writing Artist Statements. 3. Arrange for peer review session logistics, including space and time allocation. 4. Prepare rehearsal space for Director’s Talk practice.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Rehearsal and Feedback - Conduct a full dress rehearsal of presentations, focusing on clarity, delivery, and engagement, followed by feedback from peers and instructors (45 min)	Presentation Refinement - Implement feedback from rehearsals to refine presentation content and delivery, ensuring alignment with project goals (20 min) Technical Setup Preparation - Organize and test all technical equipment needed for the exhibition, ensuring smooth operation during presentations (25 min)	Artistic Reflection Writing - Complete Artist's Statement, articulating the message, research highlights, and creative choices in the video (25 min) Q&A Strategy Session - Develop strategies for effectively handling audience questions during the Director’s Talk, practicing clear and concise responses (20 min)	Director's Talk Finalization - Finalize and rehearse the Director's Notes, ensuring a compelling narrative that explains the video’s creative process and decisions (25 min) Interactive Q&A Practice - Simulate audience interactions, refining the ability to engage with questions and provide insightful responses (20 min)	Film Festival Exhibition - Deliver final video presentations and Director's Notes to the audience, engaging in a facilitated Q&A session (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized video presentations for the film festival. 2. Written 'Director's Talk' notes, prepared for the Q&A session. 3. Completed final reflection piece documenting insights and learning outcomes.
Preparation	1. Ensure all technical equipment (projectors, sound systems) is ready and tested for the film festival. 2. Arrange the exhibition space, including signage and seating plans. 3. Prepare feedback forms for audience members to provide constructive critique during the mock festival. 4. Coordinate with community partners for any guest speakers or attendees from CUNY TV or film departments. 5. Organize reflection materials and prompts to guide students through their final reflections.