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Watershed Documentary

High School Science/Social Studies Lesson Idea

 Duration: 5:35
In coordination with a local community organization, students research and produce an iMovie documentary about the human and natural history of a stream basin (watershed).
 

Project Description 

Working in groups of three to five, students research and gather data relating to the history of a local watershed using the following methods:
 
  • Interviews with long-term residents
  • Visits to local and regional historical societies to review primary historical documents
  • Interviews with natural resource agency representatives
  • Collection of water quality data from creeks and comparison with historical data
 
Using the information they find, students write a storyboard and script for an iMovie project that documents the human and natural impact on the creek and the watershed over the last 200 years. Students then shoot video footage using a digital video camera. They import the footage into iMovie and edit the clips, record any desired narration, add a soundtrack from their iTunes library, and add text and other elements. Students can export the completed movies to QuickTime and burn them on a CD, export them to videotape, or use iDVD software and a SuperDrive to include them on a DVD. When their projects are complete, students present their documentaries at a community forum.
 

Outcomes 

After completing this project, students will be able to:
 
  • Identify various human and natural resources that have shaped the watershed over time.
  • Recognize the importance of community service.
  • Use technology to demonstrate content knowledge and provide a service.
 

Technology Skills 

After completing this project, students will be able to:
 
  • Use a word-processing application to create a storyboard and script.
  • Use a digital video camera to shoot video.
  • Import and edit video clips using iMovie, adding audio and other elements to produce a movie.
 

Assessment Suggestions 

  • The finished movie can be assessed using a rubric that addresses ideas and content, organization, and the appropriate and skillful use of technology.
  • Students can also be evaluated based on the public showing of the movies to community members. They can articulate their understanding of the project outcomes as they answer questions posed to them from the audience.
 

Tools and Resources 

Internet
 
 
Tools
Macintosh computers, digital video camera, Internet connection, iMovie, iTunes, AppleWorks