Curated OER
On the Scene: Analyzing Scenes in Film and Literature
Students examine how a scene in a movie or in literature is constructed. In this film and literature lesson plan students answer questions based on film clips then create storyboards depicting a scene from their life.
Film Foundation
The Day The Earth Stood Still: The Filmmaking Process
How are films made? As part of their study of film, middle schoolers investigate the pre-production, production, and post-production process and consider the role of the director, the screenwriter, production designer, cinematographer,...
Curated OER
"The Beaches of Agnes": Planning a Video Self Portrait
Agnes Varda’s autobiographical “The Beaches of Agnes,” models for young filmmakers the cinematic self-portrait. Far from “old and plump,” Varda is a giant of filmmaking and will inspire your pupils. After watching a clip of this famous...
Curated OER
Lesson: Daria Martin: Body as Language
There is a wonderful magic that happens when artists collaborate. Kids examine storytelling through collaborative art. Inspired by Rodin's sculpture Minotaur, Daria Martin and Anna Halprin create a filmed dance sequence. Kids analyze the...
Curated OER
Writing a Screenplay
It's time to make a movie! Kids follow 15 steps to take their movie ideas from concept to script, following clear examples. The resource includes creative ways to guide learners into developing a few words and concepts into fully...
Curated OER
Films About World War II
Ninth graders focus on how filmmakers have changed their view of the Second World War. They create portfolios or their own documentary to investigate the various screen interpretations of the wartime era and explain different points of...
Curated OER
Lesson: Jeremy Deller: Conversing about Conflict
Bridge cultural awareness, community, government, and art with an introspective and thought-provoking lesson. Upper graders become globally and socially aware as they analyze and explore the art of Jeremy Deller. They consider his images...
Curated OER
Camera Shots
Understanding how visual codes such as long-shots, close-ups, and camera angles affect meaning helps prepare young filmmakers to plan their own productions. The concepts embedded could also be used to analyze photographs and paintings.
Curated OER
Exploring Women's History
Students read and analyze Jessie Benton Fremont's travelogue of her trip out west in 1849 to identify the gender roles, social attitudes and class distinctions of the time. They then adapt the the travelogue into a film script.
Curated OER
Designing Babies
Students analyze current and emerging techniques used to select specific characteristics in offspring. They examine specific case studies and make ethical decisions based upon the Ethical Decision-Making Model.
Curated OER
Circling the Square: Boxing Ring Match
Students analyze the specifications and construction of modern boxing rings. They calculate the area of circles and rectangles by different methods. They compare and contrast different areas in the ring used for attack and defense.
Curated OER
90 Miles: Immigrant Journeys
Students view a film that chronicles the experiences of Juan Carlos Zaldivar, a Cuban American immigrant. They discuss and analyze this autobiographical film and conduct further research on historical relations between the United States...
Curated OER
No Bigger Than a Minute
Students view a video clip about ideas displayed through images. They work together to analyze paintings and complete activities. They discuss how media representation of an issue can affect one's viewpoint.
Creative Visions Foundation
Studying Documentaries Like a Writer - Looking For Persuasive Techniques
Revisit the documentaries viewed in the previous instructional activity in this series in order to take a look at the persuasive techniques employed by the documentary creators. Small groups watch the films a second time, taking notes on...
Curated OER
What Do You Do With An Orphaned Cheetah?
Students brainstorm techniques for teaching baby cheetahs survival skills. In this science lesson, students view an episode of "Cheetah Orphans" and work together to analyze the situation and develop a plan to teach the baby cheetahs the...
Curated OER
To Encourage the Others (1972)
Students explore, examine and study Christian beliefs about punishment, justice and capital punishment. They view and analyze the way complex moral and ethical issues are dealt with in moving images like the screen/movie. Each student...
Curated OER
Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet
In this motion picture worksheet, students analyze a motion picture and complete information for pre-viewing and then viewing the picture. Students also answer several post-viewing sections.
Curated OER
"Bill's Run" Lesson Plan: What Do People Want from Politicians?:
Students evaluate various methods of sampling opinions, consider the role of polling in elections, and consider the role of media reporting in the outcome of elections. They also gain skills they can use to analyze and evaluate media...
Curated OER
"Last Man Standing" Lesson Plan: What Do People Want from Politicians?:
Young scholars evaluate various methods of sampling opinions, consider the role of polling in elections, and consider the role of media reporting in the outcome of elections. They gain skills they can use to analyze and evaluate media...
Curated OER
Cultural Representation in "Spellbound" Part 1
Students watch the film "Spellbound". They analyze concepts of how the media represents race. They discuss how the movie depicts race after the film.
Curated OER
Antonio's Story
Eleventh graders put a human face on the refugee experience to help them empathize. They are given an "virtual" introduction to Antonio, which gives students insights into the life of refugees in Canada and around the world. Pupils...
Curated OER
Creating with Alice
Learners explore Alice Programming Software. In this exploratory lesson plan, students design a unique storyboard which will guide the creation of their Alice World. Learners write and create their own films.
Film Foundation
Film Language and Elements of Style
How do you read a frame? How do you read a shot? Here's a resource that shows viewers how to read films. As part of the study, class members examine the camera angles, lighting, movement, and cinematic point of view in Mr. Smith Goes to...
Film Foundation
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: What Is a Movie?
Watching is not the same as seeing. Transform viewers from passive watchers to active students of film with this 34-page packet, filled with lessons and activities that use Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to examine the technology, the...