Ideas for Classroom Video Projects

Pumpkin Patch n Videotape students working in a class pumpkin patch: planting seeds, measuring pumpkin growth, cutting them off the vines, hauling them to the classroom, cutting the pumpkins open, taking oujt the seed, creating jack-o-lanterns n Videotaped activities were then integrated into math and language lessons which included counting, estimation, measuring, place value, and graphing –Kindergarten class, Birmingham, Alabama

Yearbook n Videotape students during important events during the school year. n Students sold dozens of these tapes and made enough money to buy new multimedia equipment for the school. –Sixth grade, Birmingham, Alabama

River Walk n Videotape segments of students as they hiked along a river bank near the school. They were studying the environment, toxic waste, and pollutants. n Results were then mailed to local members of Congress and TV stations. n Presentations were made to parents and other classes. –Sixth grade, Birmingham, Alabama

Zoo n Videotape students during a field trip to the zoo: taking notes, videotaping the animals, recording the animal sounds. n Students create an electronic slideshow –Primary class, Trussville, Alabama

Weather Effects n Videotape studetns around their community uring different seasons of the year. n The segments are spliced together to show the effect of weather and climate on plants, animals, buildings, and human beings. –Fifth grade, Blue Earth, Minnesota

Native American Folk Tales n Videotape students designing props and backdrops using a computerized paint program. n Videotape students using popsicle- stick puppets to act out the story in front of the computer backdrops. –Primary class, Trussville, Alabama

Business Exploration n Videotape student teams researching a particular business, visiting relevant work sites n Students produce a videotape to teach fellow students how the business works –Middle School special ed class, Albuquerque, New Mexico