| Mr. Gortney's eighth-grade Science students chose from science topics and concepts covered throughout the year, and delved deeper into exploring their chosen subject matter. Workshop participants used the internet to research information, find appropriate images, and, in some cases, video to illustrate their films. Working individually or in pairs students drafted scripts and peer edited them to create the voiceovers for their original short digital movies. From the beginning, students were strongly encouraged to be creative to capture and hold the attention of their audience, as well as coached on elements that would improve their project.
This project was enthusiastically received due to the stylistic, accessible media format, and the highly creative component whereby students got to be the movie director. The project was an effective assessment of student learning, because they had to demonstrate thorough understanding of their topic and present that information in a film that was engaging and understandable to their audience. The workshop topic and activities not only addressed eighth-grade physical science standards, but also integral computer and technology skills.
To view the digital videos, click an image below. | 
