Teamwork Talks: PSA Power!

9th, 10th Grades Project 4 weeks

Teamwork Talks: PSA Power!

Austin McFarlane

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Purpose

This project aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to create impactful Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that address the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Through collaboration with local health departments and community leaders, students will gain real-world insights and develop media production, communication, and public speaking skills. The project culminates in a community showcase where students present their work, fostering a deeper understanding of substance abuse prevention and promoting healthier choices within their community.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, and learn how to effectively communicate these dangers through media production. They will enhance their skills in teamwork, communication, and public speaking by collaborating with peers and engaging with community partners. Additionally, students will practice critical thinking and problem-solving during the project launch and reflection activities, fostering a deeper connection to the content and their personal learning journey.

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.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Products

Students will create a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that effectively communicate the dangers of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. These PSAs will be developed using multimedia tools and techniques, incorporating research from local health departments and feedback from community leaders. Throughout the project, students will produce drafts, engage in peer reviews, and refine their content based on expert insights, culminating in a polished final product showcased at the 'PSA Premiere Night.'

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Substance Awareness Escape Room' challenge, where students navigate through interactive puzzles and scenarios that highlight the dangers of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. This immersive experience will stimulate critical thinking and teamwork, setting the stage for collaborative research and media production. By solving these challenges, students will gain foundational insights into the topic, preparing them to create impactful PSAs.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their final PSAs at a 'PSA Premiere Night' hosted at a local theater, where their work will be displayed on the big screen. This event will include a panel discussion featuring community leaders and health experts, providing a platform for students to engage in meaningful dialogue about substance abuse awareness. The exhibition will celebrate students' creativity and hard work, while also fostering community engagement and promoting important conversations around health education.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Project Launch: Substance Awareness Escape Room - Engage in a team-based escape room challenge to solve puzzles related to tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, fostering critical thinking and teamwork (50 min)	Introduction to PSAs - Learn about the components and purpose of Public Service Announcements, analyzing examples to identify effective communication strategies (20 min) Research Team Formation - Form teams and assign roles for researching the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, promoting collaboration and planning (30 min)	Research Skills Workshop - Conduct a workshop on effective research techniques, focusing on reliable sources and data interpretation relevant to substance abuse (30 min) Initial Research Session - Begin gathering information and data on assigned substances, recording findings to support PSA development (20 min)	Health Department Collaboration - Participate in a virtual session with a local health department representative to gain expert insights on substance abuse trends and prevention (30 min) Reflection Circle - Discuss initial research findings and insights gained from the health department session, sharing progress and challenges (20 min)	Storyboard Development - Create a storyboard outline for the PSA, integrating research findings and planning the narrative structure (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Share storyboard drafts with peers for constructive feedback, refining ideas and identifying areas for improvement (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Initial PSA script draft
Preparation	1. Arrange the Substance Awareness Escape Room experience, including interactive puzzles and scenarios. 2. Coordinate with local health departments to provide students with access to relevant research and data on substance abuse. 3. Provide materials for script drafting, such as templates, guidelines, and multimedia resources. 4. Set up a space for the reflection circle, ensuring a comfortable environment for open discussion.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Research and Data Collection - Students work in teams to gather data and insights from local health departments on substance abuse trends and prevention strategies, ensuring accurate and impactful content for their PSAs (50 min)	Content Planning - Teams brainstorm and outline their PSA scripts, incorporating research findings to craft persuasive messages that effectively communicate the dangers of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol (30 min) Storyboarding Session - Students create visual storyboards for their PSAs, planning scenes and transitions to ensure a coherent and engaging narrative (20 min)	Media Production Workshop - Introduction to multimedia tools and techniques with hands-on practice in video editing and audio recording to enhance PSA quality (50 min)	Draft Script Development - Teams write and refine their PSA scripts, focusing on clarity, impact, and alignment with research data and public health messaging (30 min) Peer Feedback - Students exchange drafts and provide constructive feedback on content and delivery, fostering collaborative improvement (20 min)	Reflection Circle - Participate in a reflection circle to discuss progress, challenges, and learning insights related to teamwork and PSA development (25 min) Mid-Project Feedback Session - Present work-in-progress to community partners and reflect on feedback to improve PSAs and personal learning goals (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Research Summary Document: Each team submits a summary of their research findings, including key statistics, insights from local health experts, and how these will be integrated into their PSA. 2. Storyboard and Script Draft: Teams submit a draft of their storyboard and script, demonstrating the intended narrative and message of their PSA.
Preparation	1. Compile and provide access to a digital library of resources from local health departments and credible online sources for student research. 2. Ensure availability of storyboard templates and scriptwriting guidelines to assist students in organizing their ideas. 3. Coordinate with local health department representatives to schedule virtual consultation sessions for student teams. 4. Prepare a structured reflection circle guide to facilitate meaningful discussion among students.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Filming Techniques Workshop - Explore various filming techniques and camera angles to enhance the visual impact of the PSA, practicing with hands-on exercises (30 min) Team Filming Session - Begin filming PSA scenes using storyboards as a guide, ensuring alignment with the intended message and visual style (20 min)	Editing Skills Workshop - Learn basic video editing skills using multimedia software, focusing on cutting, merging, and adding effects to improve PSA quality (30 min) Initial Video Edit - Start editing the filmed footage, organizing clips and making preliminary edits to create a coherent sequence (20 min)	Audio Enhancement Workshop - Understand the importance of sound in PSAs and practice adding and editing audio elements like voiceovers and background music (25 min) Audio Integration - Record and incorporate audio elements into the PSA, ensuring clarity and alignment with visual content (25 min)	Peer Review Day - Exchange rough cuts of PSAs with peers for constructive feedback on narrative flow, visual and audio quality, and overall impact (30 min) Reflection Circle - Engage in a class discussion to share insights and learnings from peer feedback, identifying strengths and areas for improvement (20 min)	Final Edit and Refinement - Implement peer feedback and make final adjustments to the PSA, focusing on achieving a polished and impactful end product (30 min) Preparation for Community Showcase - Plan and rehearse presentations for the upcoming community showcase, emphasizing key messages and audience engagement (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed and revised PSA script 2. Storyboard for the PSA 3. Feedback notes from the mid-project feedback session 4. Peer review feedback form
Preparation	1. Gather multimedia resources (e.g., video cameras, editing software) for PSA production. 2. Coordinate with local health departments to provide additional data and insights for student research. 3. Schedule time with community partners for the mid-project feedback session. 4. Prepare peer review forms and guidelines to facilitate constructive feedback.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Editing Session - Collaborate in teams to make final edits to the PSAs, focusing on refining visuals, audio, and transitions for a polished presentation (30 min) Rehearsal Run - Practice presenting PSAs with team members, ensuring that all group members are prepared for the community showcase (20 min)	Community Partner Feedback - Present edited PSAs to community partners and gather final feedback to make last-minute improvements and ensure accuracy and impact (30 min) Reflection Circle - Reflect on the feedback received and discuss strategies for implementing changes, as well as personal learning insights and growth throughout the project (20 min)	Peer Review and Final Adjustments - Conduct peer reviews of the PSAs, incorporating constructive criticism to make final adjustments for clarity and engagement (25 min) Preparing Presentation Materials - Develop supplementary materials for the community showcase, such as informational pamphlets or digital presentations, to enhance the audience's understanding of the PSAs (25 min)	Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a full run-through of the presentation, practicing delivery and timing to ensure smooth execution during the community showcase (30 min) Technical Check - Test all equipment and media to ensure functionality and troubleshoot any potential issues before the exhibition event (20 min)	Community Showcase Event - Present final PSAs to an audience of peers, family members, and community partners, demonstrating understanding and communication skills through a Q&A session (50 min)
Deliverables	1. Final version of the PSA, ready for presentation at the 'PSA Premiere Night'. 2. A personal reflection essay detailing individual contributions, challenges faced, skills developed, and future goals.
Preparation	1. Secure the local theater venue for the 'PSA Premiere Night' and coordinate logistics with theater staff. 2. Obtain any necessary permissions or agreements for filming and presenting student work. 3. Gather and test multimedia equipment, such as projectors, microphones, and speakers, to ensure a smooth presentation. 4. Prepare scripts and talking points for students to use during their presentations and the Q&A session. 5. Coordinate with community leaders and health experts for their participation in the panel discussion at the showcase event.