Nancy Probst’s sixth-grade social studies class at Midway Middle School worked throughout January on multi-tiered projects. After doing in-class lessons and watching videos about the Cuban Revolution and the Zapatista movement in Mexico, students met in the media center with media specialist Cristina Dover to review research methods.  They researched and put together news scripts on their chosen topics. 
Students worked in pairs to write their scripts and choose background pictures for their newscasts.  Students also used PowerPoint to make their resource lists into jpeg files. Once the scripts were complete, students filmed their newscasts using Adobe Visual Communicator, a green screen program. The background pictures and source slides were inserted into the program. Students personalized their videos by choosing opening and closing slates and accompanying music.
After the videos were finished, students brought home invitations for a viewing party. On Jan. 21, students met in the MMS reception room to debut their projects for their parents and school administrators. 
School counselor Debra Kelso manned the popcorn machine so students and parents could enjoy fresh snacks and drinks as they watched. The students said they had a great time watching the videos and sharing their work with their parents and grandparents. 
For more pictures of the event, go to http://mmsmediacenter.blogspot.com.