The purpose of the "Humans of Animas" project is to connect students with their community by uncovering and sharing diverse human interest stories through media arts. By engaging in interviews, storytelling, and media production, students will develop critical skills in journalism while fostering a deeper understanding of their local culture. This hands-on experience encourages students to explore personal, social, and community narratives, enhancing their sense of identity and belonging. Through collaboration with community partners, students will create meaningful media pieces that contribute to a more connected and empathetic community.
Learning goals
Students will develop skills in interviewing, filming, and journalistic storytelling to create compelling human interest stories that connect and reflect their community. They will engage in self-directed learning by using feedback and self-reflection to improve their work, fostering a deeper understanding of their identity and place within the community. Through critical thinking and problem-solving, students will explore diverse voices and experiences, enhancing their ability to address complex questions and contribute to a more connected culture.
Standards
[National Core Arts Standards] MA:Cr3.1.iii.a - HS Advanced: Synthesize content, processes, and components to express compelling purpose, story, emotion, or ideas in complex media arts productions, demonstrating mastery of associated principles, such as hybridization.
[National Core Arts Standards] MA:Cn11.1.5.a - Research and show how media artworks and ideas relate to personal, social and community life, such as exploring commercial and information purposes, history, and ethics.
[National Core Arts Standards] MA:Pr6.1.ii.b - HS Accomplished: Evaluate and implement improvements in presenting media artworks, considering personal, local, and social impacts such as changes that occurred for people, or to a situation.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Throughout this learning experience, students will create a variety of media products, including video features, podcasts, and written articles with photos, showcasing human interest stories from their community. These products will be developed through a process of interviewing community members, capturing diverse voices, and employing journalistic storytelling conventions. By the end of the project, students will have published their final pieces on existing media platforms, contributing to a more connected and informed community culture.
Launch
Kick off the project with a community storytelling festival where students interview local residents about their unique stories and experiences. Set up interactive stations where students can practice interviewing techniques, use recording equipment, and explore different storytelling mediums. Invite guest speakers, such as former journalism students and local journalists, to share their insights and inspire students with real-world examples of impactful human interest stories. This immersive launch will spark curiosity and set the stage for students to explore and document the diverse voices within their community.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their final projects through a multimedia exhibition hosted on Quill Media's platforms, featuring video features, podcasts, and written articles with photos. The exhibition will include a virtual gallery where community members can explore the diverse human interest stories captured by students. Additionally, an in-person event will be organized at a local community center, where students will present their work to an audience of peers, family, and community partners, fostering dialogue and connection. Local radio stations will broadcast selected student podcasts, offering a broader reach and engaging the wider community in the storytelling process.
