The Art of Podcasting
Chicago History
6th Through 8th Grade • History & Media Arts
Lesson Overview: This lesson plan, designed for Distinctive Schools in Illinois, focuses on arts integration by using podcasting and spoken word to explore local Chicago history and its connection to students' lives. The lesson involves a collaboration between a classroom teacher and a teaching artist. The plan emphasizes student voice, critical thinking, and the application of digital media skills to connect historical events with contemporary issues in students' communities.
Learning Objectives:
Students Will:
Make connections in significant historical events through the modern medium of podcast.
Prepare and present selected theme-based discussion and commentary vital to processing current events in light of troubled histories in student’s communities.
Lesson Process: Students explore Chicago's history and connect it to their own family or community narratives by creating a podcast using iMovie or similar software. The core concept involves using podcasting and spoken word to explore historical events in Chicago and connect them to students' personal experiences and communities. Students research significant events, identify connections to their families and neighborhoods, and then discuss these links in a podcast. This fosters a deeper understanding of local history and strengthens students' connection to their environment.
Time Required:
90 Minutes
Materials List:
TinkerCAD
Chromebooks
Graph paper
Pencils
behance, teaching artist’s portfolio
Assessment :
Students assessed on their ability to dissect information about a given window of time in Chicago and discuss this connection to their family or community in a podcast.
Student application of recording techniques.
Lesson
Activities & Instructions
The Activities & Instructions section provides a structured sequence of learning experiences, guiding educators through engaging, interactive lessons.
Lesson Activities
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iMovie Introduction
Introduction of iMovie Software
Begin with sketchbook prompt based on what the overall topic will be covered in class.
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Guide students through basics of iMovie to make the most of their time so they can focus on discussion versus fiddling with tech.
Recording Podcast in iMovie
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Include a recap of vocabulary/techniques
Students will be instructed by content teacher to share their finished podcast at the end of the residency
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Sharing work, peer feedback
NATIONAL CORE ARTS STANDARDS
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Anchor Standard 7
Perceive and analyze artistic work.Anchor Standard 8
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. -
Anchor Standard 10
Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.Anchor Standard 11
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding.
Key Themes & Ideas
Arts Integration: The lesson integrates art (podcast creation, design principles) with history and social studies. Students are not simply learning history in isolation; they are actively creating, analyzing, and communicating their understanding through a creative medium. This is crucial for Recogniz[ing] how the arts change the learning experience.
Student Voice and Community Connection: A core element is amplifying the "student voice" and connecting students to their community's history. They research significant events in Chicago's history and then relate them to their own family or community experiences. This broadens their world view and develops a stronger connection to the community they live in.
Podcast Creation as a Medium: The lesson leverages podcasting as a modern, engaging medium for students to explore history and current events. Students will use iMovie (or similar software) to record, edit, and share their podcasts. Skills include: composition, frame, shot, portrait, microphone, lighting, levels, gain, trim.
Critical Thinking and Reflection: Students are encouraged to think critically about the motives and impacts of events within their communities and compare trends to establish a baseline understanding of the areas they come from. This is facilitated through discussions and reflection. They dissect the motives and impacts of events in their communities within Chicago.
Accessibility and Differentiation: The lesson plan incorporates strategies for ELL (explicit directions, adjusted iMovie settings), ESE (IEP and 504 plan accommodations), and students with disabilities (ASL interpreters, external devices). It also includes UDL principles to create a learning environment accessible to all. The plan recognizes the importance of ongoing, systematic problem solving...regarding student needs.
Success Criteria:
Keeping current on Film, and Design industry standards (adobe, design process, etc) within DPSCD to stay current with surrounding districts.
Staying aware of the artistic cultural impression of our neighborhood.
Overall Significance
This lesson aims to allow students to reflect on the world around them and understand their connections to it by exploring Chicago's history through the modern medium of podcasting. It gives students a voice and allows them to share their perspectives through their artwork, creating meaningful digital narratives that document both historical events and personal connections. The lesson also aims to bolster their chances of pursuing a successful career in the creative field by introducing industry-standard tools and techniques that are relevant in today's digital media landscape. By merging historical inquiry with technical skill development, the lesson creates an educational experience that honors students' lived experiences while preparing them for future opportunities in creative industries. Through this process, students not only gain academic knowledge but also develop a stronger sense of community and place, helping them see how they fit into Chicago's broader historical narrative.
– REACH –
Thank you to our Educators, Artists, and Collaborators.
School: Art In Motion
Teacher: Dr. William Grant
Teaching Artist: Matthew Wilson
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Resource 1: link