Overview
In this activity, students are introduced to the idea that what they see in the media can be deceptive. They explore the idea that media are “framed” by their creators and consider what parts of the world are left out of the frame.
NB Curricular Connections
Literacy (K-2)
- Strand: Interactions – Big Idea: Expression – Skill Descriptor: Students will speak and listen to explore, extend, clarify, and reflect on their thoughts, ideas, feelings, and experiences.
- Strand: Interactions – Big Idea: Exchanges – Skill Descriptor: Students will be able to communicate information and ideas effectively and clearly, and to respond personally and critically.
- Strand: Reading – Big Idea: Reading Comprehension – Skill Descriptor: Students will be expected to select, read, and view with understanding a range of literature, information, media, and visual texts.
Explore your World (K-2)
- Strand: Well-being – Big Idea: Physical Health and Active Participation – Skill Descriptor: Identify habits and products that are harmful to our health
- Strand: Diversity and Responsibility – Big Idea: Sustainable Futures – Skill Descriptor: Appreciate the changing nature of work.
Visual Arts (K-2)
- Strand: Create – Big Idea: Application and Product – Skill Descriptor: Create art for a variety of reasons and recognize that there are many kinds of visual arts
- Strand: Communicate – Big Idea: Reflect and Respond – Skill Descriptor: Look at and respond to art in a variety of way
What You’ll Need
- “What’s In the Frame?” Slideshow – Break the Fake: What’s in the frame? | MediaSmarts
- House Hippo 2.0 video – House hippo 2.0 – YouTube
- Break the Fake: What’s in the Frame? PDF kit – Break the Fake: What’s in the frame? | MediaSmarts
- Photocopies of Inside the Frame handout (1 per student; included in the PDF kit)
- White paper (1 per student)
- Scotch Tape
- Drawing Materials – pencils, crayons, pencil crayons, etc.
- Video Camera Operator in New Brunswick | Labour Market Facts and Figures – Job Bank
Instructions
- Start by downloading “What’s in the Frame” slideshow and printing the complete PDF kit.
- Print “Inside the Frame” worksheets included in the PDF kit (1 per student)
- Begin the learning activity by viewing the House Hippo 2.0 video and discussing if it could be real? Ask students how they think the video was made. Explain to students that while computers, animation and other special effects are a big part of what makes things onscreen seem real, there’s an even more basic tool that’s also used: the camera frame.
- Download the resource package for the rest of the instructions.
Reflection Activity
Please see the attached PDF for several choices on how you and your learners can reflect upon today’s activity.
