Grade 9
AASL INQUIRE - Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems.
4 - 90 minute blocks
This lesson was submitted by Gregory Baum from Rockwood Summit High School. It is based in part on a NYT Learning Network lesson.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Students create a 2-5 minute podcast about an interesting person from history.
Throughout this semester, we’ve read about various interesting people from history--and we’ve even done some of our own research with primary and secondary sources to gain a better understanding of who these people were and what they can tell us about the times they lived in. Now it’s time to take those skills and build on them. To show your ability to synthesize information and create your own representation and interpretation of that information, you will be creating a podcast episode about a person connected to an important historical period or event.
WARM-UP
Together, we’re going to listen to the first minute or two of three podcasts. As you listen, take notes on an organizer about the topic and the production elements (production elements means things like intro music, voiceovers, etc.). Think about how they introduce their podcast and how you might do something similar with yours.
• Modern Love “R We D8ting? | With Krysten Ritter” (Segment: 0:00 - 3:16)
• The Daily “The Right to Bear Arms” (Segment: 0:00 - 2:36)
• Still Processing “Take a Knee if You Agree” (Segment: 0:00 - 1:27)
ELEMENTS OF STORYTELLING
Now, it’s time to start thinking about what elements help create a good story. We’re going to listen to three podcasts. Jot down some notes about what you hear--what stands out to you as something that helps make these interesting, gripping stories? What kind of things will you need to find in your research to help you create these same elements in your podcast?
• “When the Civil War Ended, She Was My Age” from StoryCorps
• “The Coal Miner” from The World According to Sound
• “Seeking an End to Cycles of Abuse” from Radio Rookies
RESEARCH
Now that you’ve got some ideas about what a podcast is and how you can make a great one, it’s time for research. You’ll need to find X number of sources to create your podcast.
PLANNING YOUR PODCAST
Once you’ve completed your research, plan your podcast using the organizer provided. Make sure that you include all the required elements and that you find ways to integrate your research.
TIME TO RECORD!
When you’re finished planning your podcast, it’s time to record. Using either your phone or an audio recording device (available for check out from the library), record the raw material for your podcast--this means the narration, the interviews, stories, etc.
EDITING TO CREATE A FINAL PRODUCT
We’ll put together your audio clips and edit them into a final project using WeVideo. When you’re finished, make sure to submit your podcast on Canvas!
REQUIREMENTS
TOPICS - pick a topic, make it appropriately broad or narrow for 2-5mins of storytelling on your podcast.
