Rock the Constitution

Objective: With a group, you will create a music video explaining one of the three branches of government. You will write original lyrics to describe the function of your branch of government, participants of the branch, and how it interacts with at least one other branch of government. You may create your own music, or you may use the karaoke version of another song. Additionally, you will have to create a concept for the video, shoot the footage, and edit it with the music. Good luck, and have fun!

Guidelines:
• Must be a minimum of two minutes long
• Lyrics must be original
• Must outline the functions, participants, and checks and balances of a branch
• Must have video footage, properly edited into a storyline
• All group members must participate in the writing of the lyrics. Consider different roles necessary once you begin shooting: camera man/woman, singers, actors, editors, directors

Day 1: Introduce Project, choose groups, and choose branch assignments. Groups decide if they will parody a song or come up with original music. Begin writing lyrics.
Day 2: Rough draft of lyrics due at the end of class. They may be revised afterwards, but deadlines were essential in making sure this project came together in a timely manner.
Day 3: Create an action plan and video concept. Must include the following: Jobs each group member will fufill, summarized storyline for the video, setting for the shoot, programs used (students had a choice between flip, moviemaker, or imovie), and group timeline.
Day 4: Storyboard video concept: How often will you change scenes? Where will each be shot? Who will be in each scene? etc. (I used a template, and students drew simple illustrations and wrote a brief description below of what was taking place in that particular scene.)
Day 5: Record lyrics and music. Students again had a choice on the software, and most opted for garage band.
Day 6-8: Video shoot and editing. Students who wanted to shoot off campus were allowed to check out a flipcam. Some had their own from home and chose to use those.

Please see final products in the links below.