Plan
| Week 1 |
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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| Activities |
Project Launch and VR Experience - Students participate in a virtual reality experience simulating a hike through various trails, exploring accessible and restricted paths. They reflect on disparities in trail access and brainstorm potential documentary topics. (45 min)
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Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking - Students learn the basics of documentary filmmaking, including storytelling techniques, camera angles, and interview tips. They discuss how these elements can be used to explore their chosen topics. (45 min)
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Research Skills Workshop - Students engage in a workshop on conducting research, including finding credible sources, paraphrasing, and using quotes to support arguments. They begin exploring resources related to trail access. (45 min)
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Group Formation and Topic Selection - Students form groups based on their interests in biking, hiking, or naturalism. Each group selects a specific documentary topic related to trail access, guided by brainstorming from day 1. (45 min)
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Exploring the Essential Question - Groups delve into the essential question: 'Who had to lose access for us to have what we have?' They discuss initial thoughts and outline how their documentaries will address this question. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A list of potential documentary topics, collaboratively brainstormed by each group.
2. A set of refined research questions developed by each group to guide their documentary work. 3. A project plan outlining each group’s documentary objectives, responsibilities, and timeline. 4. An initial reflection on the VR experience and group discussion, documenting individual insights and ideas. |
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| Preparation |
1. Set up virtual reality equipment for the initial immersive experience.
2. Prepare prompts and questions for the group discussion post-VR experience. 3. Create a list of potential documentary topics related to trail access for student brainstorming. 4. Gather and organize background materials on access and trail use, including articles, videos, and case studies. 5. Coordinate with local organizations for guest speakers or informational resources about biking, hiking, and naturalism. 6. Prepare a checklist for students to use in organizing their research and initial ideas. |
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| Week 2 |
Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Scriptwriting Basics - Students learn about scriptwriting, focusing on structure, dialogue, and how to incorporate research into their narratives. (20 min)
Drafting Persuasive Essays - Begin drafting the persuasive essays that will serve as the foundation for the documentary scripts. Emphasize thesis statements and supporting evidence. (25 min)
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Peer Review and Feedback - Students exchange drafts of their persuasive essays with classmates, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement. (30 min)
Essay Revision - Using peer feedback, students revise their essays to strengthen arguments and clarity. (15 min)
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Introduction to Filming Techniques - Explore different filming techniques, including camera angles, lighting, and sound, to enhance storytelling in documentaries. (20 min)
Practice Filming - Students practice using cameras and other equipment to film short clips, applying techniques learned. (25 min)
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Research Deep Dive - Continue researching specific topics related to trail access, focusing on gathering diverse perspectives and stories. (25 min)
Interview Preparation - Learn how to prepare for and conduct interviews, including question formulation and active listening skills. (20 min)
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Group Storyboarding Session - Groups create storyboards for their documentaries, outlining key scenes, shots, and narrative flow. (30 min)
Storyboard Presentation and Feedback - Present storyboards to the class for feedback, focusing on narrative coherence and visual storytelling. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed research notes and a list of formulated research questions.
2. First draft of the persuasive essay with a clear thesis statement and supporting evidence. 3. Peer feedback on the persuasive essay using the structured feedback form. 4. Reflection and self-assessment document outlining personal learning goals and areas for improvement. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather and provide access to research resources such as books, online databases, and contact information for local experts or community members.
2. Create a structured feedback form for peer review of persuasive essays. 3. Prepare reflection and self-assessment templates to guide students in setting personal learning goals. 4. Ensure access to computers or tablets for research and drafting essays. 5. Coordinate with community partners to arrange potential interviews or guest speakers for students. |
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| Week 3 |
Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Finalizing Persuasive Essay - Students use feedback from peers and teachers to finalize their persuasive essays, ensuring clarity and coherence in their arguments. (25 min)
Script Integration - Begin incorporating finalized essays into documentary scripts, aligning narratives with visual storytelling techniques. (20 min)
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Advanced Filming Techniques - Students learn advanced filming techniques, including drone footage and time-lapse photography, to enhance their documentaries. (25 min)
Equipment Mastery - Practice using advanced equipment with hands-on trials, ensuring proficiency in capturing high-quality footage. (20 min)
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Interview Execution - Conduct interviews with community partners, focusing on gathering insights and personal stories related to trail access. (30 min)
Reflection and Analysis - Review interview footage, identify key themes, and discuss how these can be integrated into the documentary narrative. (15 min)
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Editing Workshop - Introduction to video editing software and techniques, emphasizing how to create smooth transitions and compelling narratives. (25 min)
Initial Editing Session - Begin editing filmed footage, focusing on arranging clips according to the storyboard and integrating interview content. (20 min)
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Peer Review of Edited Clips - Share edited clips with peers for constructive feedback, focusing on narrative coherence and emotional impact. (25 min)
Revision and Refinement - Use peer feedback to refine clips, ensuring alignment with the documentary's purpose and storyline. (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed research notes with a minimum of three sources per student group.
2. Draft of a persuasive essay that serves as the documentary script, including a thesis statement and supporting evidence. 3. Peer feedback forms completed by each student for their partner's essay. 4. List of interview questions and summaries or transcriptions of interviews conducted. 5. Initial storyboard for each group's documentary, outlining key scenes and transitions. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange access to library resources or online databases for students to conduct research.
2. Provide examples of strong persuasive essays and thesis statements for reference. 3. Prepare peer review worksheets to guide feedback during peer review sessions. 4. Coordinate with community partners or experts to schedule interviews for student groups. 5. Ensure access to digital tools for storyboarding, such as storyboarding software or art supplies for manual storyboarding. |
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| Week 4 |
Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18
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Day 19
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Day 20
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Critique and Feedback Session - Pairs exchange documentary drafts for in-depth peer feedback, focusing on narrative clarity and impactful storytelling. (25 min)
Incorporating Feedback - Use peer critique to revise and enhance the documentary script, ensuring alignment with the project goals and themes. (20 min)
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Refined Filming Techniques - Explore advanced filming methods and practice capturing complex shots to improve documentary quality. (25 min)
Footage Collection - Groups continue filming, focusing on capturing key scenes and interviews that highlight their documentary's narrative. (20 min)
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Editing Techniques Refresher - Review essential editing techniques and introduce new tools for refining audio and video quality. (20 min)
Collaborative Editing - Work in groups to edit footage, integrating new insights and refining flow based on previous feedback. (25 min)
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Sound Design Workshop - Introduction to sound editing, learning how to overlay music and sound effects to enhance emotional impact. (20 min)
Sound Integration - Apply sound design skills to documentaries, ensuring audio tracks enhance the storytelling experience. (25 min)
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Mid-Project Reflection - Reflect on the progress made so far, discussing challenges, successes, and adjustments needed for the final stretch. (20 min)
Planning for Upcoming Exhibition - Begin outlining the presentation plan for the film festival, considering audience engagement and key points to highlight. (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised persuasive essay scripts incorporating feedback and additional research.
2. Initial footage captured during trail visits and interviews with community partners. 3. Workshop reflections documenting learned visual storytelling techniques. 4. Draft storyboard or editing plan highlighting key scenes and narrative arcs for documentaries. |
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| Preparation |
1. Coordinate with community partners to schedule interviews and trail visits.
2. Prepare equipment, including cameras, microphones, and tripods, ensuring all are in working condition and available for student use. 3. Set up space for visual storytelling workshops, including access to editing software and computers. 4. Gather examples of effective documentary scenes for analysis and inspiration during workshops. 5. Organize transportation and permissions for students to visit local trails safely. |
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| Week 5 |
Day 21
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Day 22
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Day 23
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Day 24
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Day 25
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Advanced Editing Techniques - Students learn about color grading, sound mixing, and adding visual effects to enhance their documentaries. (25 min)
Editing Implementation - Students apply advanced editing techniques to their existing footage, focusing on visual and auditory coherence. (20 min)
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Integrating Feedback - Students review peer and teacher feedback on edited clips and begin making necessary adjustments. (20 min)
Finalizing Edits - Continue refining the documentary, ensuring that all elements align with the narrative and essential question. (25 min)
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Narrative Voiceover Workshop - Students learn how to write and record voiceovers that enhance the storytelling of their documentaries. (20 min)
Voiceover Integration - Begin recording and integrating voiceovers into documentaries, ensuring they complement existing footage. (25 min)
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Soundtrack Selection - Explore options for soundtrack music that aligns with the documentary's mood and message. (20 min)
Soundtrack Integration - Incorporate chosen music and sound effects into the documentary, focusing on emotional impact and narrative enhancement. (25 min)
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Final Documentary Review - Perform a comprehensive review of the documentary, checking for narrative coherence and technical quality. (30 min)
Peer and Teacher Feedback Session - Share final versions of documentaries with peers and teachers for last-round feedback and approval. (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed persuasive essays with peer-reviewed feedback incorporated.
2. Initial draft of the documentary script based on persuasive essays. 3. Recorded interviews with community partners. 4. Preliminary footage of trails and related community activities. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for persuasive essay writing, such as graphic organizers and writing guides.
2. Coordinate with community partners for interview scheduling and logistics. 3. Prepare recording equipment, including cameras and microphones, for capturing interviews and trail footage. 4. Organize peer critique sessions by setting up guidelines and feedback forms. 5. Arrange transportation and permissions for any off-campus interviews or trail footage capturing. |
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| Week 6 |
Day 26
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Day 27
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Day 28
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Day 29
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Day 30
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Documentary Edits - Focus on refining transitions, audio, and visual elements to ensure a polished final product. (25 min)
Narrative Consistency Check - Review entire documentary for narrative coherence, ensuring all sections align with the essential questions and project goals. (20 min)
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Peer Feedback Session - Share near-final documentaries with peers for last-minute feedback, focusing on emotional impact and overall message clarity. (25 min)
Incorporating Final Feedback - Use peer feedback to make final adjustments to the documentaries, ensuring all critiques are addressed. (20 min)
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Preparation for Public Exhibition - Plan introductions and key points to highlight during the film festival presentation, practicing public speaking skills. (25 min)
Creating Promotional Materials - Design posters and social media content to promote the upcoming film festival, enhancing digital literacy skills. (20 min)
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Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a full run-through of documentary screenings and presentations, ensuring smooth transitions and audience engagement strategies. (30 min)
Reflection and Self-Assessment - Reflect on project journey, discussing personal growth and learning experiences, completing self-assessment forms. (15 min)
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Final Technical Adjustments - Make any last technical edits, including audio balancing and color correction, to ensure high-quality screenings. (20 min)
Exhibition Setup Planning - Plan logistics for film festival setup, including seating arrangements, technical equipment, and audience flow. (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised persuasive essays with integrated peer feedback and community partner insights.
2. Final version of short films ready for exhibition, showcasing improved storytelling and technical quality. 3. Prepared presentation scripts for film festival introductions and Q&A sessions. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to computers with video editing software and internet for research and communication with community partners.
2. Arrange for classroom space for peer review sessions and workshops. 3. Coordinate virtual or in-person meetings with community partners. 4. Provide resources for students on film editing techniques and persuasive writing. 5. Organize a schedule for the film festival, including time slots for each group's presentation and Q&A session. |
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| Week 7 |
Day 31
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Day 32
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Day 33
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Day 34
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Day 35
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Touches on Documentary - Students make last-minute adjustments and polish their documentaries, focusing on ensuring narrative flow and technical quality. (30 min)
Self-Reflection Activity - Students individually reflect on their learning journey, documenting challenges faced, solutions found, and personal growth experienced. (15 min)
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Rehearsing Film Presentation - Students rehearse their film presentations, focusing on clear communication of their research findings and documentary insights. (25 min)
Peer Support Session - Groups share their presentation rehearsals with peers, offering constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. (20 min)
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Community Engagement Preparation - Students prepare for engaging with the audience during the film festival, including practicing Q&A responses and highlighting key documentary themes. (30 min)
Final Review and Approval - Teachers provide final review and approval, ensuring all documentaries meet project standards and are ready for exhibition. (15 min)
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Film Festival Setup - Students collaborate to set up the exhibition space, arranging seating, technology, and presentation materials. (20 min)
Exhibition Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a full dress rehearsal of the film festival, practicing transitions and audience interaction. (25 min)
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Film Festival Presentation - Students present their documentaries at the community film festival, engaging with the audience and facilitating discussions around trail access. (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Fully edited and polished short film/documentary ready for screening.
2. A group presentation script that includes key findings, reflections, and insights. 3. Promotional materials and invitations distributed to parents, teachers, community partners, and the general public. 4. A successful film festival exhibition with engaging Q&A sessions and community dialogue. |
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| Preparation |
1. Reserve the local movie theater venue for the film festival.
2. Gather necessary equipment for film screening, such as projectors, screens, and sound systems. 3. Coordinate with community partners and invite them to participate in the film festival. 4. Create a schedule and program for the film festival, including time slots for each group's presentation. 5. Design and print promotional materials and invitations for the film festival. |
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