Video Vignettes - Honors Earth Science

Small Group Projects

Tom Stahley – Skyview High School

Background: Visuals are very helpful as we learn. This is particularly true in learning science concepts and even science vocabulary. One approach to visual learning is to create Video Vignettes (vin-‘yets). Video Vignettes are sets of visuals viewed on a computer screen (or with other technology) that are explained to the viewer with narration. The combination of the visuals and explanations help put meaning to vocabulary, ideas, and processes in science.

Goals:

You will:

1. Learn and use recommended procedures for creating a Video Vignette.

2. Learn effective and ineffective methods of video making.

3. Learn and do editing of visuals and narration segments with iMovie software.

4. Present your vignette to others as a teaching tool.

Assignment:

With group members, create and share a Video Vignette that effectively illustrates the meaning of an Earth Science term, idea (concept), or process in an iMovie format.

Checklist:

Complete the items on this checklist to help structure your group’s use of time.

I have my topic statement

I have all my research complete (information gathered & images selected)

I have my script complete

I have my storyboard complete

I have all my images (jpeg format) collected (Internet, scanner, digital camera)

I have all my recordings complete in Audacity

I have all my images and audio imported into iMovie

I have my video completed in iMovie

I have exported my project to QuickTime

Video Vignettes can be used to illustrate so many ideas in science. The following list is offered as suggested topics. Explore them, but consider topics of your own that relate to science topics we will cover in the semester. Explore chapters 9-14, 21-24, and 28-31 to clarify and help select the idea for your video vignette.

groundwater erosion / conduction
cavern formation / convection
cavern features / radiation
groundwater pollution / condensation
wells / dew and frost formation
springs / mountains affect climate
aquifers / the influence of jet streams
karst topography / wind around highs and lows
the influence of air masses
cloud formation
principle of superposition / vertical cloud development
original horizontality / snowflakes
uniformitarianism / cold fronts
dendrochronology / weather data and forecasts
stromatolites / satellite imagery & forecasts
isotherms and isobars
hail
the Moon’s surface / Fujita tornado scale
orbit characteristics / the structure of a hurricane
planet rings / the heat index
asteroids / wind chill factor
comets / microclimates
sunspots
solar prominences / Other topics may be considered.
binary stars / Topics selection must be approved.
the Milky Way
the Hubble Telescope