Process for Constitution Digital Video Project
Theme: Conflict and Compromise

Situation: There are many examples of conflicts regarding the ratification of the United States Constitution. Your job is to investigate any of these conflicts and create a digital video that informs viewers how a conflict was resolved through compromise by opposing groups of people.


Step 1.) Research the Essential Question

Essential Question: What compromises were necessary to ratify the United States Constitution?

Guiding Questions that will help you with your project
-What sides (or viewpoints) are being represented?
-Who is the leading figure that spoke for the compromise? *Note* Be sure you can find a picture of this person for the project.
-What is the compromise?
-What did this person or group have to gain from the compromise?
-What did they lose from the compromise?


Resources: You can use these or you can find your own sources.
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/historyonline/us8.cfm



Step 2.) Create a Storyboard:

You should create a script and a rough idea of what your camera angles will look like. Storyboards do not have to be overly artistic or completely scripted; instead, they are like a map that will guide you when you begin to record. A successful Storyboard will save you a lot of time when you begin to record.

Do not even ask to begin recording until you have a Storyboard. Also, this will be graded.

Your video does not have to be exactly like mine. You can play the roles yourselves, wear masks made of paper, or video edit the lips on a computer image. In fact, you can do this however you want as long as your video answers the Essential Question and the guiding questions in a creative way.




Step 3.) Lab Time!

Your group should be creating your video during lab time. This includes shooting the film with your Camera Person and actors. You should also use this time to edit your video.
Tip: Assigning roles can help your project go much faster. Roles can include Camera Person, Video Editor, Actor(s), Director. This approach will allow your group to work on several things at one time.


Step 4.) Showcase your Video:

Your group will present your Digital Video to the class. Come prepared to introduce your video to the class. You should briefly inform the viewers what genre you chose for your video, what the conflict is, and how the conflict was resolved.


When you are the audience you are expected to be active listeners. This means that you are directing your attention to the presenters and rating their video following their presentation.