"What's in My Backyard?"

Concept / Topic To Teach:
Students will learn several concepts namely how to use a digital camera; uploading images and making a movie using still images using PhotoStory3.

Standards Addressed: (Texas standards)
Starting with 4th grade and mastered by 8th grade
Strand - (4.25)(8.24A) Viewing - Representing - Production
The student produces visual images, messages, and meanings that communicate with others. The student is expected to:
(A) select, organize, or produce visuals to complement and extend meanings (4-8); ELA.04.25.A ELA.04.25.AB D I
(B) produce communications using technology or appropriate media such as developing a class newspaper, multimedia reports, or video reports (4-8). ELA.04.25.AB
Select, organize, or produce visuals to complement and extend meanings. ELA.08.24.A ELA.08.24.A2

General Goal(s): Students will be able to express themselves orally,visually and some textual expression using images from their everyday world.

Specific Objectives:
1) To learn the basics of using a digital camera
2) To create a specific video story on a specific topic
3) To learn to use a basic digital editing software

Required Materials: digital cameras, computers, PhotoStory3 software, and microphones

Anticipatory Set (Lead-In): Ask students if they know what it means when someone says, "If only you could see it through my eyes." When you take a picture and show it to someone, you're trying to show them what you see from your point of view. In this activity, that's exactly what you're going to do!


Step-By-Step Procedures:
#1 - Using posters or a PowerPoint, show students the basic parts of a camera. Now give them the cameras and go over it again asking them to tell you (the teacher) what the different parts are for.
#2 - For practice, have each student take a picture of something or someone.
#3 - Demonstrate how to download the image. Using your image, discuss what's good or not so good about the image. Have students download their images and critique each other.
#4 - Now explain the activity. Students will checkout a camera and will have 2 days to take (10) pictures of their backyard. They are required to have at least 4 pictures of something close-up such as a flower or an interesting tree knot.
#5 - Students will bring the cameras back and download their images. They will then use PhotoStory3 software to tell their stories and convert them into a movie format.
#6 - The movies will be shared throughout the campus over the network and with parents in a kiosk format.


Plan For Independent Practice:
When asked to create a project, my hope is that the student will choose to use PhotoStory and a camera as both will work with any subject area.

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set):
Students will critique each other's videos. In this critique, students will find out if they truly conveyed to others what they see when looking at their own backyards.

Adaptations (For Students With Learning Disabilities):
Depending on the disability, students will get the assistance they need in order to fulfill this activity. It may require having them take pictures with an aide of a neighbors garden.

Extensions (For Gifted Students):
Gifted students will be instructed on using the more creative and high-end uses of the camera and the software.

Possible Connections To Other Subjects:
This activity, although technology and science based, involves language arts in that, writing a script is involved in the PhotoStory process.