Social Issues Documentary and PSA

Background on the Social Issues Research Unit:
In this research unit, students develop and improve their research skills, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, as well as communication skills. Each student locates information regarding the problems and solutions of his/her social issue and conveys the information through a variety of real-world media. After completion, students from all sections of the same course come together to work in small groups of the same or similar issues.

1. The students will be placed into groups based on the social issue they researched independently.

2. Within their groups, the students will discuss what they have done so far (research, projects, etc).

3. The students will then discuss the solutions each has researched and why each solution would/would not work.

4. As a group, the students will decide on the best solution. This should be the most tangible solution, as students will be working towards implementing it as a group.

5. After deciding on a single solution, the students will decide on some possible projects/tasks they could complete to work towards putting this solution into action.

6. Students will use web 2.0 collaborative and productivity tools, email, and software to implement their chosen plan. While working towards implementation of their plan, students will digitally document their progress. During times the groups are waiting for permissions, supplies, etc. students will work to create a 30-45 second PSA that gives an overview of the issue’s problem, as well solutions the public can take. The PSA will be filmed in front of a green screen and imported into iMovie.

7. After groups have implemented their plan of action, they will produce a documentary that details their progress and implementation, ending the documentary with their PSA. These will be presented to the class, and perhaps the specific organizations who may benefit from their plan of action.