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Explore STEMsational Space: Audio & Video Editing Lessons for Kids [ep.149]

Explore STEMsational Space: Audio & Video Editing Lessons for Kids [ep.149]

video editing lessons for kids

Check out the full episode on Explore STEMsational Space: Audio & Video Editing Lessons for Kids  

 

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Episode Summary

Is it hard to incorporate audio and video editing lessons for kids into your STEM classroom? It’s not! In fact, there are some ways to not only easily implement it into your classroom but also do it in a way that’s inexpensive. I’m showing you exactly how in today’s episode. We’re going behind the scenes of my STEMsational Space lesson that’s a fun and engaging way to teach your students audio and video production. Listen to learn tips and strategies for implementing this lesson in your classroom!

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Ways to integrate Earth and space science while creating audio and video editing lessons for kids in your STEM classroom
  • Origins of the STEMsational Space unit
  • Prep and materials needed for the STEMsational Space unit
  • Tips for setting up your classroom for recording audio and video

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith [00:00:00]:

How can you easily integrate video and audio production in the classroom but with a STEM twist? In today's episode, I will be sharing with you ways that you can integrate Earth and space science while creating video and audio produced projects. Video production is an essential skill that I believe all students should be able to learn in various capacities, whether you have students presenting on camera, which creating video and audio produced projects are actually standard. So take a peek at your common core state standards because there are standards that talk about this when creating digital pieces, but it's not just the presentation skills. There is a lot of work behind the scenes when it comes to producing video and audio shows, and they're very, very similar in the way that you produce them.


Naomi Meredith [00:01:35]:

So, of course, when you are presenting on camera, you have to be animated, but literally everything behind the scenes is almost exactly the same. I'm talking about when it comes to researching a topic, being able to look at all those various resources and put it together in a way that makes sense for a script, which is so important for our students to know. Likewise, think about all the technology skills that go into creating a video or a podcast. It can be really, really simple, but then also it can get really complicated when you are layering different elements. Likewise, there are all of the editing skills that can go into that production as well to streamline the project and make it exciting and engaging for your audience. These are just a few of the skills that I can think of off the top of my head. And, really, when I was teaching these lessons to my students in the k to 5 STEM classroom, I was learning a lot as well when it came to my own videos and my own podcast because there were some things that I needed to work on as well. But in turn, I was also sharing skills with my students that I was using with my own shows, and that was really valuable.


Naomi Meredith [00:03:01]:

Of course, not all of our students are going to be podcasters or YouTubers, but they are important skills to have that you can use in any job. Even just with my teaching job, I used a lot of video skills. At the same time I was teaching this unit with video and audio, I actually started up our school-wide video news, which I have a bunch of episodes all about that and a workshop that you can jump on in on if you wanna learn more about it. But I was doing that at the same time when I was building up this unit for my regular classes, and there was a lot of overlap with those lessons. But just thinking about my job as a teacher, like I said, having those basic skills when it came to creating videos, and, of course, I learn more and more. I'm still learning more. But having those basic skills of being able to create video really helped my job. And since then, those skills are still really valuable and important for a lot of the different things that I'm creating for my own business and contract work that a lot of people don't have.


Naomi Meredith [00:04:12]:

So this is something that we really need to think about for our students. Yes. The technology is going to change, but having those basic skills that can be improved on, and, of course, you can always learn new technology as you get older, but video and audio aren't going away. Sure. AI could be something added to it, but this is something that we really need to think about for our students in the STEM space, and it definitely involves a ton of STEM skills. So thinking about that, what is the origin of this unit that I like to call STEMsational space? When I was planning this video and audio unit for my students, I was mapping out my entire K to 5 STEM year-long plan, which you can grab the entire scope and sequence for free. Just grab it at Naomimeredith.com/yearlongplan.


Naomi Meredith [00:05:05]:

It's also linked in the show notes. But when I was mapping out the year, there were a lot of standards when it came to Earth and space science. A lot of the standards involved explaining why things happen or how they work, and I thought some sort of digital piece could be really beneficial in explaining these topics because, obviously, we can't go into space in the classroom. I wish I were Miss Frizzle. But there are a ton of resources out there that students can use, so I wanted to merge the two together. Hence, I came up with the name STEMsational space. I mentioned this a little bit before, but creating video and audio is a STEM skill. And I think there's a lot of misconception when it comes to what STEM is, and there's always a huge focus on coding, robotics, and even Makerspace.


Naomi Meredith [00:05:57]:

But sometimes I think we're missing out on some of those other types of skills that some students will really connect with. When you see my year-long plan, I really try to provide a variety of experiences for my students because not every kid is going to like all of the things. And I get really frustrated when I hear about STEM programs that only do one thing, then call your class that one thing. Call it a coding class if you're gonna do just coding all year round. Don't call it STEM. There's more to it. So maybe think about renaming your programs. But that's why I thought it would be really cool to add this component.


Naomi Meredith [00:06:36]:

And when I talk about the prep work for this, it is way low prep on the materials. You're gonna absolutely love it. So, I'll talk about those materials in a second. Also, you're thinking, wait. Did you do this with kindergarten and 1st graders? I absolutely did. Kindergartners and 1st graders definitely want to make videos, and the process for that is not as complicated as, say, what a 5th grader did. But little kids can still make high-quality videos that work for their age. It is possible, and I wanted them to build up those skills at a young age.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:14]:

And I tell this to all the grades. It's different just taking a video for fun and snapping something that you are doing really quickly, sending it to your friends, or putting it on social media. When you're really creating informational videos, there is a lot more behind-the-scenes than when it comes to the time to record. The same is true on this podcast. You are hearing the finished and polished version of all of this, but it takes a lot of research and prep work behind the scenes, all of the editing with my podcast manager, and all of the video from me. There's a lot more that goes into before and after the show. So I really wanted students to see that process even at a young age where, yes, you see this beautiful thing, but there's a lot of things that go into it as well. Alright.


Naomi Meredith [00:08:05]:

So how do you even go about setting up a video and audio type of unit? Is it a lot of materials? Do I need a lot of expensive and shiny things? No. You don't. That was also a big part of it because I always am thinking about how I want to show my students things that, yes, these units are really well thought out by me, where they probably wouldn't play be planning these lessons at home. But when it comes to the actual tools that we're using, I wanted to keep it very, very simple so that they could replicate it at home. So here are the tools that I used and the purpose behind them. You don't have to use all of these. These are definitely suggestions. There could be even more updated things after the fact when this podcast comes out, but it really doesn't take as much as you think it does.


Naomi Meredith [00:08:57]:

When it comes to the actual devices, use what you already have. If you have iPads or tablets, great. If you have laptops or Chromebooks, awesome. Use what you have. I actually didn't have any laptops in my classroom. When they remodeled the space, they took out all the desktops, and it was totally fine. But it was actually a habit where I had students bring in their devices to STEM, so I wanted them to connect the learning from what we're doing in this physical space in the STEM classroom to their regular classroom. For our laptops or Chromebooks, we use the platform called WeVideo.


Naomi Meredith [00:09:33]:

And I'm not sponsored by WeVideo, but for both of my podcasts, the Elementary STEM Coach this one and the STEM Career Quest podcast. But it's an awesome platform, and it is made with students in mind. So, if you don't have any experience with video editing, it is very simple. It is very visual, where you drag and drop your video clips. If you wanna put any fun things on top of your videos, like text or images, or if you wanna edit the green screen, you are able to do that within WeVideo. There are ways to get started for free, so check that out. And then there are some options if you wanna buy a subscription for your classroom or even your school district. And maybe you had a subscription at your school district, and you never knew how to use it.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:31]:

I definitely recommend it, and they're always improving and making it better. So I love WeVideo. I'm obsessed. There is an app for the iPads as well, so I'm gonna talk about iPads in a second. So, really, really great. You can also do iMovie, which is very similar. That was where I actually first started doing computer editing with iMovie. The one thing I don't love, and maybe it's changed now, is that it takes up a lot of room on your hard drive.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:57]:

I do have a Mac, and I do have iMovie, but I switched to WeVideo because I wanted everything not on my hard drive and saved in a cloud. So, if anything were to happen to my computer, I wouldn't worry about where my video is. It wasn't on the hard drive. So 2 really great platforms. You might have heard of some other things. I know some people are playing around with Canva and trying different things with Canva. You can record in Canva. Canva for Education, at the time of this recording, is free for teachers, but you can try that as well.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:29]:

And I've also seen some people edit some green screen. So those are some three options to look into and get started. For iPads, most of these things are actually the same. When I did my video recording with younger students in kindergarten and 1st grade, we just used Seesaw. And the reason behind this is that it is a tool we are actually always using in STEM anyway. I wanted my students to get better at using Seesaw, not only in my classroom but in their classrooms as well when they were recording their own work at their level, of course. We know those little kinders and first graders. They have the cutest little things. They might tack forever and ever and ever, but I wanted them to get a little bit better in Seesaw as well.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:13]:

Also, WeVideo does work on iPads that I know of, and, also, iMovie has those capabilities as well. And then I also, for a green screen, used a green screen by Do Ink. It is a paid app, but it's an awesome, awesome app for younger students to really visualize how the green screen actually works. So if you invest in it now, you will have it for a very long time. There's also an animation aspect. So, if you wanna merge in some animations as well, that's really great. But I love that app so much, and I have it on my own personal devices because it just works really well for that visual green screen editing. So those are some really good things to look into and check out based on the devices that you have.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:04]:

For other physical items, these are definitely all optional. And if you do wanna spend a little bit of money or invest, try it out. The video recording can get really loud, and I definitely understand that. And one thing I did tell my students is it's not going to be the most perfect audio in the whole wide world. We're in school. There are lots of us, and there's no way we can all move around where it's the perfect rerecording space. I told them when I'm at home, I'm in a great environment, but sometimes my dog will bark, or there's an airplane that goes by. You guys will hear it.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:44]:

It is what it is. Sometimes my husband will come on and come home and start playing with the dog, and you might hear it. But I tell the kids, it is what it is. Like, it's totally fine. Like, you're not getting graded on, oh my gosh. I can't get the perfectest, quietest space ever, and that's okay. But I do really recommend spreading them out the best you can and using those fabric boxes, like, from IKEA or, like, those storage cubes, and lay them on their side. What I would have students do is put their script inside of the box and then put their heads in there.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:21]:

And if you have a microphone, great. If not, that's okay. Your devices have a microphone already built in. But they'll put their head inside of the box, and that would kind of help center that sound and block out any external noise the best that you can. It's kinda like your own little sound booth. If you wanted to make it even more fancy, you could add in some spongy layers as well to block out more noise. I would use my fabric cubes for a lot of different things all the time, and I love it because they can fold up and store really easily. So I did not do that with my cubes, but if you wanted to, sure, go for it.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:59]:

If you want to have microphones, like I said, you could invest in some external microphones or some external cameras. Just play external microphones or some external cameras. Just play around with different options, but you don't have to at all. When I did our school-wide video news, I just used the cameras on the laptops, and I love laptops actually for their cameras because the camera stays steady. The kids do not hold still when they are holding an iPad. It is not great. Even grown-ups have a whole hard time with this too. So, laptop cameras are perfect for the elementary space. I don't think you need to invest in anything fancy.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:36]:

Microphones are really handy. You can get those tiny microphones. Ours were hit or miss with our laptops, but I know it wasn't the microphones. It was actually the permissions and security that were on the devices, so that's why they didn't work. But those are options. If you had to pick between the 2, get microphones. If you do want to do green screens, I had these awesome pop-up green screens that I got for writing a grant, where it's on a tripod, and it has a t at the top. And then with the fabric, one side was blue, and one side was green.


Naomi Meredith [00:16:08]:

Both are really great. So I really loved having those, and then you can fold them up and store them when you are finished. During the whole video and audio unit, I had them up for, like, a month and a half. They were just sitting in the back of my room, and I even had one myself. I purchased one for my office, and I have it set up all the time because I'm a little lazy and don't feel like putting it away. It's actually really easy to put away, but I just leave it up all the time. So those are really, really awesome. I love them, but maybe you have a blue or green wall.


Naomi Meredith [00:16:38]:

I like the portable option, and I know there are some other options too that people have where I could move kids in the hallway if it was possible to record or in our library to try to spread them out. When we did our school-wide news, we did put them away at the end of class, so I showed kids that it was part of their responsibility to set up the tripod and also take it down. But, also, just something to keep in mind, you could use butcher paper or Dollar Tree green tablecloths if you really wanted to. Okay. So, I know I talked about the materials for a bit, but I know that's what people really worry about. Like, oh, I can't do it. I don't have anything fancy. It really wasn't that fancy, you guys.


Naomi Meredith [00:17:16]:

Like, I'm all about, like, let's use what we have. Let's keep it simple. If I don't have it, we don't have it. Maybe I'll write a grant. Maybe I won't. We're gonna use what we have. Okay? So, alright, what did they actually do in this STEMsational space unit? Kindergarten and 1st grade were very simple with our lessons, and I kinda I did about the same system and process for this. It took them about 1 to 2 days to create their videos, and then for the rest of the week, we did STEM stations.


Naomi Meredith [00:17:46]:

So I do have a whole workshop all about STEM stations if you wanna hear how I plan it. But in kindergarten, we talked about the sun and shade. Then, in 1st grade, we talked about day and night and the season. So, we did not do this video for the whole week. At the time of this recording, I didn't have the lessons in my TPT shop when it came to the actual video lessons. I do for STEM stations. But these were things that I actually beta-tested with my students, and it worked out great. In kindergarten, we talked about the sun and how it is important to Earth and how it brings us life, and, also, we also have to protect ourselves from the sun to stay safe.


Naomi Meredith [00:18:25]:

So we created our videos and our scripts about that. Then, in 1st grade, we talked about how the Earth orbits the sun and how it also determines how long the days are and the seasons. Students created props that were on popsicle sticks to help visually show their video, and then we also wrote the script together. Everybody's script was exactly the same because I wanted them to understand what a script was and how it is helpful for making their video. Then, in Seesaw, students took turns with the iPads and helped out their partner where they would read their script and then use the props to demonstrate what was happening. Their face could be on camera, or they could actually just hold the props in front. I show them both options because some kids are shy, so giving them options is okay. Both kinds of videos are a thing.


Naomi Meredith [00:19:21]:

But that was their video. And so so cute because they knew, oh, I messed up really bad. Let's try it again. And I said it's okay if you make mistakes, like, if you don't have to restart the whole thing. But it was really good for them to make a video that made sense and was on topic. In 2nd grade, we got into that green screen recording, and depending on the year, sometimes I would use the iPads and the Do Ink app. Once we got licenses for WeVideo, I actually switched to using WeVideo since I was able to use that, and I wanted students to have that experience. And 2nd graders were able to do it.


Naomi Meredith [00:20:00]:

So if you're worried about it, can a second grader use WeVideo? Yes. They were totally fine. Mind you, this is, like, more than halfway through the year, so they have more skills. But that's where I was at with those apps. For 2nd grade, they created a green screen video where they were telling us all about a natural disaster, what it is, where it typically happens, and how to stay safe. So I gave them all sorts of different research resources to pick their one natural disaster, and then they made that fun in informational video and had the pictures in their background changed based on when it happened in the script. In their script, there actually was a storyboard part where they would kinda sketch a picture of what they were looking for and how they would add that in their video. By the way, the lessons I'm talking about for 2nd through 5th grade are in my TPT shop, and so those will be linked in the show notes with all of the research resources, the scripts we used, and the whole process for that.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:02]:

In 3rd grade, we continued our work on the green screen because I wanted them to continue building up that skill and how to create that type of video, but they created a worldwide weather report. And it was a more not so much a meteorologist report, which most people do for their first green screen project, and that's a great project. Keep doing it. It's really relevant, and people still use that today. That's how weather videos are made. But I wanted it to be more like a travel video and more informational about what is the weather and climate in different locations in the world and what you need to pack when you go there at different times of the year. So when you actually have this lesson in your classroom, I will give you my examples of the video. And this one is really fun because I do like to travel, so I made a video that was really bad on purpose of me in Costa Rica, and so I talked about that.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:57]:

The picture in the background is actually from when I was there. And then I made a really good example of what it could be. So, it's more like a travel video and that information, and again, using those different research resources to help them create their script. There also are places for these older students, second and up, where they don't have to do the video by themselves. They actually determine who is saying what part, and I teach them too to create clips where you don't have to record the video all in one set. You can actually break it up into chunks and merge those together. And, yes, even 2nd graders are able to do this. So, actually, that's a better way to make a video.


Naomi Meredith [00:22:36]:

When I do this podcast, I do pause and do little chunks, or if I mess up, I say it again. So, it's the same kinda thing, I pitch that to my students. In 4th grade, we change the style of the video that they are creating. So we start with kindergarten and 1st grade, where they are using props, like physical props, to create their video. Then we have 2nd and third grade, where they are talking to the camera in front of the green screen. And then, in 4th grade, I wanted them to change it up where they're creating a video that has animations, pictures, and video clips and has audio on top of it. So their face isn't necessarily shown in this video, but I wanted them to learn these skills. So, when you think about this unit as a whole, there is a progression of learning in just the type of video that they are creating.


Naomi Meredith [00:23:27]:

There is a method to the madness when you see it as a whole picture. This was really interesting because we were talking about ways to take care of the Earth, but also really, in a bigger form, outside of the Earth. We talked about space junk or space trash and how we are not only polluting our Earth but also the orbit around it. So we learned all about that. So the kids were super interested in that. Then they created an informational video to teach others about what space junk is, why it is a problem, and what possible solutions are out there or their ideas on how to solve it. So this is really cool to help them show those researching tools, not only in how to research about the topic but also finding images that would relate to the topic to help explain and make it engaging for their audience. And moving into 5th grade, taking those skills that they have learned throughout the years, or if you're starting it off fresh, that's okay too. And 5th graders created a short, tiny podcast, only a few minutes long.


Naomi Meredith [00:24:29]:

It's not that long. However, they created a short podcast to take on the role of a citizen scientist to teach others about what light pollution is. What is light pollution? Why is it a problem? And what are some ways that you can help solve it? So similar questions to Space Junk, different topic. This one was really cool, too, how we were analyzing podcasts, and they created the style of podcast that they wanted. Then, they started learning how to overlay music and make that exciting and interesting as well. So you actually get to hear some of those examples when you grab this lesson and also the resources. And honestly, I didn't even know what light pollution was. And, like, you know what it is.


Naomi Meredith [00:25:12]:

We didn't think about it until I got my master's in STEM leadership. And this actually sparked a lot of this unit. While I was in this program, I had to create a lesson. So I actually created this lesson during my masters, and then, in turn, it helped inspire the whole sensational space. As a recap, here is what we chatted about in this episode to help you wrap around your mind when it comes to video and audio production and merging it in the STEM space. So, I shared with you all about the origin of Sensational space and where it all came from. Next, we talked about ways to set up this unit, specifically when it comes to video and audio production in your classroom. Then, I talked through the different types of lessons that you can do with your students.


Naomi Meredith [00:26:02]:

Everything that you need is linked in the show notes that you can find in my TPT shop, Naomi Meredith, where all the research is done for you and uses the whole engineering design process, and you get examples of those videos. If you are looking for more ways to learn about video and audio production and then get it into your school as a whole with news, I invite you to join my school-wide video news workshop. And then, over on my kid podcast, the STEM Career Quest podcast, we are going to have some guests coming up. So if you're listening to this episode live, who work in the space industry and space and flight industry, you can hear more about their amazing STEM jobs. Thank you so much for being here, and I'll see you in the next episode.

video editing lessons for kids

 

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More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there. 

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

video and audio production in STEM

Video and Audio Production in the STEM Space [ep.96]

Video and Audio Production in the STEM Space [ep.96]

video and audio production in STEM

Check out the full episode on Video and Audio Production in the STEM Space:  

 

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Have a STEM question? Leave a voice message for the podcast!

Episode Summary

More and more, we’re seeing the use of video and audio production to share information in tangible ways rapidly grow in our world. For this reason, it is important that we allow for opportunities for our students to communicate their ideas through video and audio production.

Today’s episode is the audio recording of my presentation from the Wonder Workshop International STEAM Summit. In this episode, I share ways you can introduce video and audio production in your STEM space.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • 5 ways to integrate video and audio production in your STEM classroom
  • Examples of video and audio production lessons you can implement in your classroom
  • My favorite video and audio production resources

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith  00:00

The use of video and audio in our world is rapidly growing to help us share information in more tangible ways. Just like this podcast, this type of production is vital for our students to learn, so they can effectively communicate their ideas. While the audio from this episode has never been heard before on this podcast, this presentation is from an online summit I did in the past, at one of the Wonder workshop international STEAM summits, I'll be sharing with you five different ways that you can integrate video and audio production into your classroom, and some examples of lessons you can try. 


Naomi Meredith  01:09

Hey, everyone, thank you so much for coming to my session today. And we will be talking all about video and audio production in the STEM space. There definitely is a place for this in the classroom and no matter what grade level you teach, you can definitely level this up, level this down and make it work best for you. Now, if you don't teach STEM specifically, and you're a classroom teacher, or you teach other content areas, you definitely can find a lot of valuable information in this presentation. So don't feel like you just have to be a STEM teacher to be in this presentation. I was a classroom teacher for six years before I became a K through five STEM teacher. And you can still do these awesome things in your classroom. So a little bit about me, I am Naomi Meredith, and I am a current K through five STEM teacher and coach. And when I'm not teaching and through different various parts of my day, I am a business owner. And that little guy with the big ears is my dog Frederick who is spoiled as can be. And then along with my business and to incorporate all my teaching and experience. I'm also a podcaster with my newer podcast, the elementary STEM coach podcast. So definitely go and check that out if you need a new podcast to listen to. And I am also a fiance, I have my wedding in June 2023. So a lot of different hats that I have. Today, I'm going to be sharing with you five video and audio formats that you can incorporate in your classroom, whether it is STEM or other content areas. I also have a bonus option for you that I will be sharing as well. Also, linked in this presentation will be a free guide where you can view examples of the things that I mention throughout my presentation. I'm going to have pictures like action shots of the some of these examples. But in that free guide, I'll actually link specific student examples so you can actually get a deeper picture and see where you might want to take this in your own classroom. 


Naomi Meredith  03:21

So the first type of video format that you can implement in your classroom. And I would say that this is the easiest way to get started. If you're not doing any video at all, none at all start with this is action videos. And what I mean by this is really videos that are in the moment. So this is really capturing the things that are already happening in your classroom, but bringing them to life through the use of video. These can actually be scripted or not scripted. So I have some examples of that. And this is again, a great way to capture the learning from the day. The parents aren't typically in your classroom, and they don't get to see the great work that you're doing. And typically you might be using tools that the students can't take home. They go home and tell their families about it. But it might be just there's so much going on in their explanation that a video can really capture what they're trying to say. And again, this is a great way to bring those projects to life. And kids really can have that ownership over their work and relive those learning moments. The top tools that I recommend and that I love using in my classroom is number one, I absolutely love Seesaw. This is a tool that I used as a classroom teacher all the time with my third grade students. And then I still use it today with my K through five STEM students. K through five, yes, all of them because it does so many different things, especially having that video component is so powerful are filled with the students work. Now I know I'm talking about action videos, but Seesaw also has the option where you can take photos of anything, and you can add in a voice recording. So that is also a another great option to capture the learning of what is happening. Another very comparable tool. And this also depends on the licenses that your school has or the direction they want you to go is Flipgrid. Very similar, but this is mainly video based anyway. And students can definitely take video of their work and even respond to each other in the platform, you can definitely use Flipgrid with any grade. I have found that there's more buy in with my older students. But again, you can use it K through five or even beyond then. Another option if you don't want to create accounts or you don't have the option to create accounts is if you have at least a Google account as a teacher, you can use Jamboard. And this is a newer tool made by Google. And think of it like an upgraded tablet/digital interactive whiteboard. So you can have unlimited boards. And there's different ways for students to respond, they don't have to log into an account. So you could create a share code or a QR code for students to access your board. And then on this side, there's an insert image icon. And within that there's webcam as an option. So students could actually take a video or photo of their work and share it to the shared board. And that could be a way to capture the learning for the day. And then maybe you email that board out to parents in a classroom newsletter. So lots of great options that are great entry points for really thinking about ways to capture the learning those action shots and those videos. So here are some more specific examples of how I've used those tools. On the far left is a screenshot of a student's recording and first grade, we did 3D printing. So we were talking about animal babies and their adults, and how are they similar? And how are they different. After the students got their 3d prints, they colored their design using Sharpies, and to add all of those traits. After they color those images. We went over as a whole class a script that I wanted the first grade students to rehearse. So we rehearsed that as a group, we went over it many times. And then they had that same script as well, where they recorded, they took a picture of their 3D print, they drew the habitat that those animals live in, and then they recorded their script on top. Some students even chose to take a video, so they wanted to make it more live. But this was just a great way to capture that in the moment learning. And instead of just bringing a random 3d print at home that will sit on their shelf that the families and the kids understand the reason why behind it and get to hear their boys. I also love using these tools when students are using robotics and or LEGO education kits, especially using Dash from wonder workshop, one of my most favorite robots to use in the classroom. But we know students can't take these home. So giving them the opportunity to film their work and show it in action is a great way to share the coding at home. And really, and students can explain what is going on and show how their coding worked. On the far right is something that I recently did with my second graders, and they created with our Makerspace materials, an invention to help with water erosion. On the last day students took their inventions outside and a big cup of water with them. And once they got their invention set up out in the dirt, they were able to pour the water and see how it was able to slow down the water on the erosion and implement students getting water or dirt over the iPad. So I actually ended up taking a after photo and a video of it in action. So and I ended up adding it to their Seesaw for them. And they took the before picture in class before we went outside. So that's also an option too. If you have limited devices, you could use a tablet. If you have one tablet in your classroom, that's all you need. Or if you feel comfortable using your phone, that's a great way to upload things. And the kids are so proud of their inventions. And since it did get dirty and wet, we didn't actually end up keeping them they went in the trash outside. So again, another great way to capture the learning where it doesn't always have to physically come home. 


Naomi Meredith  09:31

Another way that I love to use video in the classroom is actually a very old filming technique, but it's still very relevant today. And that is stop motion animation. I could do a whole presentation about stop motion animation and I have in the past because I love using this type of resource in the classroom. Basically if you don't know what it is, it's tons and tons of pictures with very, very tiny movements. So think of Gumby a year without a Santa Claus those Stop motion animation videos. Fun fact, The LEGO Movie is not a stop motion animation, it is made to look like one. So they made it kind of glitchy on purpose. So fun fact of the day, it really actually has very minimal supplies and tech, you can just do this with a tablet or a webcam. And with my students, I often just use paper as the prop. So I have a couple examples of that, because I know that can be hard. But having a bunch of clay having a bunch of small figurines, I actually use paper, and it works just as Well. The cool thing about this tool is that more happens in front of the camera instead of behind it. So what I mean by that is students are really collaborating and problem solving and thinking about how they can get their objects to move in a way that is fluid. And is that choppy. And all they're doing behind the cameras clicking the shutter button and taking pictures. So it's really about the movements. The stop motion part is very, very simple. It's more about the planning and how to get their props to move. Some of my favorite tools when it comes to stop motion is on the far left is a app called Stop Motion Studio app, there is a free one, if you don't have a budget go with a free one. It's great, it does everything you need to do. If you have a little bit of wiggle room, feel free to upgrade has a little bit more editing options and some templates. But it isn't necessary, the free one does well. I happen to have the paid one that was just something already on our tablets, we use it but you don't need it. If you have laptops or Chromebooks and you don't have a back facing camera, and it just depends on your devices. The HUE Document Camera is a very affordable option. That again, you can use the.as, a document camera, but it basically is a webcam. So it has that bendy arm, which really makes it great for stop motion animation. And they do have additional software. If you want to add that on as Well. Maybe you have a computer lab and you could download the software on there, that could definitely be an option for you. This one on the far right I haven't played around with personally, but I'm definitely going to try it this fall. And this is a web based stop motion animation software. So it looks like kids sign up with their Google account or email. So you could think about that, it doesn't look like it's a Chrome extension. But if you don't have tablets, this could be another good option as Well. Maybe you have the HUE Document Camera, and then you want to use this software, it looks like it has really good reviews and a lot of potentials. So three different options, just ways to think about how you can do this, besides just using the camera roll and scrolling through it really fast. Here's some ways in my classroom that I have done stop motion animation. With my favorite, fifth graders, we were talking about parts of the human body and they had this pick a specific part and explain what it does. I am not kidding you, the kids drew this heart and I don't expect them to be perfect artists. But this is incredible. I will link this in that free guide because the way that they did this was amazing. Now it's cool with stop motion because you can add in other elements such as audio, you can add in more sound effects, depending on the time that you have. So there's even more potential when it comes to the video editing skills. For this one, we just didn't have time, but they added in words, and it definitely explains what the human heart does. And the middle a great way I love to get started is students pick a favorite fairy tale or fable. And they create a stop motion about that using paper props, whatever. And then we play the videos. And then we have to guess what the story is. So we tried to pick things that most kids now and this is a great introduction, because then they learn how to do stop motion in the moment. But they're also applying it to literacy and story retell. With my third graders, I have them take on the role as a paleontologist and they research about different fossils and the stories that they tell. And they have to use their inferencing skills to actually write a story about the fossil that they learned about and then put it in the form of stop motion. Again, I add in I use paper as my prop. You can even have kids pick out some pictures, put it on a page and have them you print it especially if it's things like fossils or the human heart. Apparently that group didn't need me printing it. But that's also a good way to if you want to save some time you can have some prompts pre printed or students can do an image search and create that for you. 


Naomi Meredith  14:46

As another great way to add in that audio option and video as an option too is podcasting. It's so interesting because some kids know about podcasting and some don't and you probably hear it in your classroom. When I grew up, I want to be a YouTuber. Totally fine. I wanted to be on camera too as a kid, but my YouTube was I wanted to be on the Barney show. Selena Gomez did but I did it. So anyway, so I'm kind of know about podcasting. And podcasting is getting as big as YouTube. So it is typically audio only. But there is such a big growth with video podcasting. So that can be an option, but it doesn't have to be. And it is really good for the kids who are camera shy. It's been super interesting doing podcasting with my students, because the kids who have a hard time just being on camera are excellent at podcasting, and they feel very successful and they start creating their own at home. So it's a really great thing to start using in your classroom. Some of my favorite tools for this, you're gonna see these tools a couple of times, because they can do a lot of things we've video is an excellent option. You can record audio, add their music transitions that are already there. And there's the multiple layers that are tracks that students can edit. So it can make it a little more advanced. But they've also had some recent updates where it's more visual. If you haven't done any video or audio editing at all with students and you have the option to use Wii video, I definitely would go that route over iMovie because it is more made for kids. But iMovie is a great option too. I do like it as well. The difference between when we video and iMovie is that we videos actually web based, you can get the app for it, but it will connect to the internet. So you can actually see all of your stuff you do on the tablet and on the computer. So that's really great too, because it makes them more collaborative. And kids can work on things at home if they would like and they're not tied to one voice. But with iMovie, you are tied to that one device. So that can be very limiting, limiting. And iMovie doesn't always have the stock music or photos as well that Wii video offers. Screencastify also has the option of class accounts now and you can create assignments a lot like Google Classroom and any video you can create, you can actually export the audio, they have very simple editing tools, so not as robust as we video in iMovie. But that's another option if you're looking for different tools. A way that I've done podcasting is specifically it's hard to actually capture taking pictures of podcasting. But I had my fifth graders, we were learning about light pollution. And they didn't know anything about it, which was perfect because they had to do some research about it. They did some research in a group about light pollution using the resources that I provided. And then they created a script using a template. And from there, they created their podcast. Now you can see in this picture that there is a big fabric IKEA box laying on its side. And there's two devices, they haven't quite setup everything, but you're going to be able to get a picture of that. inside of the box is the script. So students will put the script and the microphone inside of the box because it'll help drown out the noise. I try to spit out students as far away as possible, put them in the hallway, if it's a quiet time of day in the library, I really try to spread them out and having a microphone is great if you can get it. Some students have microphones built into their headphones in their classrooms, some might even have gaming headphones that they can ask to bring in. You might even have some microphones in your classroom. So definitely check out those ways it's not necessary. But it does make a huge difference. Especially the whole point is audio. And then on the outside is there's a student so it's great when they're collaborating it. The other device has the actual recording software. So the the microphones hooked up to the device outside of the cube, but they actually placed the microphone inside of the cube. So someone is on the outside. And they can always pause and switch spots with someone on the outside, making sure that the technology is working and everything is good to go. Though I will say about podcasting, even based on experience is the prep before and after a podcast actually takes longer than the actual recording. And students are very surprised by that even when they do other videos. There's more work before and after than the actual being the star of the show. So this is a great lesson as well. Along with that just basic video editing skills is just an excellent skill for kids to have in their back pocket. I have definitely even found that as a teacher, self teaching myself how to video edit has been quite an asset for all sorts of things. It's great for students to add in multimedia. So whether it is those audio things, they can layer in pictures, they can layer in videos. It's just a great overall skill to have. It can be very, very simple based on the tool that you use or the project and it can be very, very complex. So there's a lot of room for that. differentiation. Again, you'll see two of my favorite tools. Again, I love Wii video and iMovie. So those are the top two that we think of when it comes to adding music, audio, all those transitions. Another one that is a simple one that I have played around with that has actually been really fun. And they have, it's free for teachers, and you could set up a classroom is Canva. You can embed some videos, they have some slides, and they have some fun things to play around with. So very, very simple, I wouldn't say has tons of layers, but you can do some basic video editing and there so it could be like a little commercial or things like that. And then Adobe Spark, I'm not 100% Sure, I think you have to pay for it. But I'm not exactly sure. But Adobe Spark, Spark has an app and also web based versions, where you can do very, very simple editing as well. I actually use Adobe Spark with my fourth graders. So when my fifth graders were doing podcasting, the next group did their fourth grade did their videos in Adobe Spark. I do like having all of my video and audio projects going on at the same time. So then I can get all of the materials ready, and it just repeats. But the projects are completely different. Again, the same setup. So students were researching about space junk. Again, another topic they didn't know about, what is it what is why is it a problem. And then they also were thinking of their own possible solutions. They didn't actually build these solutions. But they thought of some that could be a possibility, since it is a newer problem and a way that we are polluting around the Earth. So they created a simple video in Adobe Spark, and they added some moving elements, and then they recorded their voice on top. Another way that I've used Adobe Spark, and really you could do this with anything is that when I was co-teaching with teachers, first and fifth grade created commercials for something called their sale day. So first grade had a sale day they had a product that they were going to sell. And their older buddies helped them create a commercial. So they filmed their little bodies saying things about their product. And they were adorable. One kid I helped with was had a massage station, it was ocean themed. And he had a sea turtle and some shells he brought in, it was so cute. He's in. He's in fifth grade now, actually, so I have to remind them of that. But they helped them create some commercials. And then they added some other features with Adobe Spark. And it was great with the templates that they had. And it was a really fun collaborative experience. Of course, you can see all of these you can layer in together, so they don't even have to be isolated projects. But green screen is way more simple than you think. And it has very stunning results and students are get very excited, you can also add in blue screen. And it just adds another perspective to your videos. Now you see we video in iMovie on there, they do have the capabilities to edit green screen, you can just film using the camera app on whatever device, save that video and put it in one of those platforms. But over all of that I highly, highly recommend investing it's not very expensive. It's worth like if you don't have any money for anything, and you are you have a little bit by this. Okay, that's all you need. This is Green Screen by DoInk. And it just explains what green screen is very visually to students. And it has those layers. It's super easy to edit, it is super straightforward. You can choose the green, you can really have any background beer green screen, we typically use blue and green because humans aren't naturally those colors, they shouldn't be blue or green. So that's why you see those colors. So if some ways I've done this, I'm not going to show my students videos, I don't want to show their face. But you can see here I am in the middle in front of a green screen I had a pop up green screen tripod that I bought a few off of amazon for my classroom. One side has green one side is blue. So they're the perfect shades. On the far left. It was with second grade they were researching about a location and oh sorry, third grade, and the climate and the weather at all times of the year. And then they created a video about it. Mine was about Costa Rica. And then on the far right was second grade and they were researching about different natural disasters and they had to report about it and let you know what are the causes and where do they happen. 


Naomi Meredith  24:32

Finally as the bonus, this is almost like incorporating all of it. You can do your school wide news using these tools. I actually don't do mine live because I don't want to deal with any huge technical difficulties and especially here I'm in Colorado. We have weird weather I don't want to deal with that. I don't know when else I would do it live I do a lot of clubs after school and my plane times in the morning so one of my clubs will two of them. My club on Monday. is the pre recorded news. So I have groups of students who record the news five days out. So we have scripts that they read account or and all of that. Then my editing team, the next day different set of kids, we get those videos, they edit them to where they're cleaning them up, and they use the video. And eventually they start adding in those transitions. Like, here's what the weather forecast is. And they'll add in little things. Soon, the second semester, my recording team will eventually use green screen. But right now we're really working on reading those scripts and being on camera. This is something that's the teachers in my building watch every single day, and their classrooms are about five minutes. Super engaging. This is the second year that I've done it, and the little kids can't wait, like when can I be on the news. So they're literally obsessed about it. So you can see I have some kids who are recording at the time we were doing green screen then. Then it goes to my editing team. on one screen, we have the script up. So I share the scripts with all of my news team. And then on the other computer is we video. And then they have a headphone splitter in their partnership, and they're able to hear what's happening on the video. But then they use the script so they know what is supposed to be said. And if it's being set in the right order. Then I'll also add in some fun special features. One that I'm doing right now is called crosswalk questions with Miss Meridith. So while I'm on Crosswalk duty and there's no cars around, I have a question of the day and I will film kids with their answers. And then I'll randomly put these video ends, videos and and it's just a great way to incorporate some fun things. We also have a joke box in our library. So students will submit their jokes and they think they're very funny, but they're totally bad jokes. And we always have a joke of the day that's always part of the script that they'll read a joke from there. 


Naomi Meredith  26:48

As a recap, here are the five plus the bonus video and audio formats that we talked about in this presentation. We have the action videos, stop motion animation, podcasting, video editing, green screen, and the ultimate one, the bonus school wide news. I will again have that free guide for you in this presentation. So you can see some video examples of these in action to get a more clear picture of how this works. some links to some resources so that you can try at least one of these in your classroom, whether it's STEM are something else.


Naomi Meredith  27:27

Thank you so much again for coming to my session. You made it this far. And if you would like to connect with me further, here's all my information you can definitely find me by way of email at my website naomimeredith.com. Again, check out my podcast, the elementary STEM coach Podcast. I'm currently have episodes twice a week, and some fun special guests have been popping up in my agenda. Some of you might know from wonder workshop, and then YouTube, definitely check the out and then Instagram I love being on Instagram @NaomiMeredith_ and then my TPT shop Naomi Meredith. So lots of ways to connect and find me. And I hope you found some good takeaways from this session. And I appreciate you being here. And definitely have a great rest of yours semester. I'll talk to you later. This presentation has tons of visuals, and I bet you're dying to see all of the examples and handouts from this presentation. You can grab the video recording of this episode and the video slides I referenced throughout student examples and bonuses for only $5. That's less than a fancy coffee drink. This will be linked in the show notes and you can check it all out here at naomimeredith.com/PDreplay. That's P D replay.

video and audio production in STEM

 

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More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

video-recording-in-the-classroom

5 Tips for Video Recording in the Classroom

5 Tips for Video Recording in the Classroom

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Video recording in the classroom doesn’t have to be stressful as a teacher. In fact, this is your moment to shine as a budding YouTube star! When creating videos for your students, you’re providing opportunities to listen and learn from you as often as they would like. In fact, it extends your reach even more as you can be in two places at once. 

 

Through my years of recording videos for my students, both teachers and children, here are my top tips to easily create high-quality videos that are engaging and useful. 

 

#1 Video Recording in the Classroom: Easy-to-Use Platforms

Complicated software isn’t needed to create great videos. As long as you have a cell phone and an embedded web cam in your laptop, that’s all you need to get started! Other tools will be mentioned later to adding to creation, but not entirely necessary. 

 

My go-to tools for video creating are: 

 

  • Screencastify
    • Google Chrome extension that allows recording the screen, screen & face at the same time, and just face. All videos are saved automatically to your connecting Google Drive account. 
    • iPad app that allows adding in own content and recording voice on top. Also record the process of writing and solving problems. Great for showing mentor examples and solving problems. All videos are saved within the cloud service of your choice. 
    • Web-based video editing software. There is an app as well. Easily combine videos and layer text, audio and images. There are also screen recording and green screen capabilities as well. 

 

#2 Write an Outline

Whenever I try to start recording off the top of my head, I always forget something and mess up. Which then results in more time spent re-recording content. 

Before recording, create an outline of the topics you want to cover in the video. This can be as detailed as you want, especially when first getting started with video recording in the classroom. 

Having an outline will help guide your thinking and also keep the video moving along. 

 

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#3 Chunk Content

Shorter videos are better. In fact, according to Panopto, best video engagement is between 2-5 minutes. 

Think of them like quick mini lessons. Target exactly what you want to say in smaller chunks. This can lead into a video series that students can work through. Having a collection of shorter videos helps with differentiation and having segments that connect directly to a student’s needs.

In fact, recording shorter videos is so much easier to make than longer videos. If you mess up, it’s easier to re-do rather than sift through 30 minutes of content. 

 

#4 Batch Record

After creating a sequence of videos you want to create along with their outlines, batch record in one setting. This will allow your brain to focus on the content during that setting. 

This doesn’t mean you need to edit during this same time; this can be saved for another time. 

If recording your face, I like to switch my shirt for each video segment. This helps when I am editing and assigning videos since they will look visually different at first glance.

 

#5 Video Recording in the Classroom: Great Lighting & Sound

There are a lot of things that can be fixed when creating videos, but bad lighting is a hard one to undo. 

Use as much natural light as possible. When recording your face, facing a window is super helpful!

If recording your hands, small ring lights can help add more exposure into the space. 

 

Here are two external lights I like using. This one clips onto my phone while the other stands up on a flat surface. 

 

Increasing audio quality is also helpful for your videos. When recording on my phone, I’ll wear my Airpods to enhance the sound. While on my computer, this simple external microphone works well. For more of an investment, I’ve had great success with this Yeti

 

These tips will not only help you when recording videos for your classroom, but also your students. Check out my video tips that I use in my K-5 classroom to help with their video quality as well. 

 

Click here to check out this resource to use in your classroom! 

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Other Blog Posts You Might Enjoy: 

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Have you started recording videos to add to your classroom instruction? Feel free to direct message me on Instagram, @naomimeredith_ and I would love to chat with you!

Want more resources to support Technology & STEM all year long? Grab this FREE downloadable guide that I’ve put together for you!