Equipment Ad Subject: Language Arts, Technology Grade: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Brief Description

Students create a one-minute advertisement for a piece of sports safety equipment.

Objectives

Students

• define the terms ad, advertisement, and commercial;
• develop ideas for an ad;
• create props and/or costumes for the announcement;
• demonstrate creative-thinking and creative-writing skills;
• work together in a group to create a one-minute ad about a piece of sports safety equipment;
• learn about video equipment.

Keywords

sports, safety, ad, advertisement, equipment, video, commercial

Materials Needed

• a camcorder
• a television
• a videocassette recorder
• videocassette tapes
• student-researched information about sports safety equipment from magazines, newspapers, or online sources
• student-selected props or costumes
• pens or pencils

Lesson Plan

This project should be completed over several lessons. The teacher decides the length of time needed to complete the project; the length of the project depends on the ages and abilities of the students.

Prepare to teach the lesson:

• Learn as much as possible about your video equipment.
• Talk to a your school media specialist for tips and suggestions, or consult a print or an online source about video production.
• Videotape ads from television.

Lesson 1

• Discuss the terms ad, advertisement, and commercial. Ask students what they think goes into making an ad that appears on TV.
• Tell students that they are going to make a one-minute ad about a piece of sports safety equipment. Discuss some types of sports safety equipment to consider for an ad, such as helmets, kneepads, goggles, etc. List students' responses on the board. Let the class vote on the piece of equipment for the announcement.

Lesson 2

• Show the ads you videotaped. Discuss each one.
• Have students brainstorm ideas for their ad. Tell students the ad must include information about the piece of safety equipment and how the equipment keeps a person safe while playing sports.

Lesson 3

Have students research information about the piece of sports safety equipment for the ad using library or online sources. One suggested site is Protective Gear.

Lesson 4 to Completion

• Have students work together to write the script; choose the cast; make costumes, props, and scenery; and create a list of shots.
• Let students practice the ad, first without the camera, then with the camera.
  Note: The teacher should handle the equipment.
• Complete the filming of the ad. Review and edit the tape.

• If school rules permit, let students assist in filming and editing the ad.
• Focus the ad on a piece of sports safety equipment for one type of sport, such as football helmets or hockey kneepads.
• Let older students work in teams. Have each team create an ad. Provide assistance when needed.

Assessment

Evaluate students' contributions to and participation in the project.

Lesson Plan Source

Education World

Submitted By

Lois Lewis

National Standards

Language Arts:
  NL-ENG.K-12.4
  NL-ENG.K-12.5
  NL-ENG.K-12.6

Technology:
  NT.K-12.1
  NT.K-12.3
  NT.K-12.4
  NT.K-12.5