CREATE A

DOCUMENTARY
 Welcome
Thank you for choosing the Create a Documentary
Project from The Teacher’s Prep! Creating a
documentary will be a highlight of your students’
year. Utilizing the project within a unit or as an end-
of-the-year activity is the ultimate demonstration of
student knowledge and mastery of a topic disguised
as a fun activity!

Creating lessons and activities that increase student

engagement, save you valuable time and bring
history to life in new ways within the classroom is a
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I invite you to join a community of teachers just like

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about history in their schools. Click the links below to
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 CREATE A DOCUMENTARY PROJECT
Thank you for choosing this resource from The Teacher’s Prep!
Creating a documentary will be a highlight of your students’ year.
Utilizing the project within a unit or as an end-of-the-year activity is
the ultimate demonstration of student knowledge and mastery of a
topic disguised as a fun activity!

WHAT’S INCLUDED?
• Page 1: Cover

• Page 2: Welcome Letter

• Page 3: Table of Contents (You’re here!)

• Pages 4-5: An Overview of the Project

• Page 6: A Note on Technology

• Page 7: How to Add Video and Narration to Microsoft PowerPoint

• Page 8: A Step-By-Step Guide for Teachers

• Page 9: Project Rubric

• Page 10: Teacher Observations Form

• Page 11: Documentary Instructions

• Page 12: A Step-By-Step Guide for Students

• Page 13: Know Your Audience Activity

• Pages 14 – 15: Storyboard Activity

• Page 16: Project Calendar

• Pages 17 – 18: Job Cards (six jobs included)

• Pages 19 – 20: Movie Poster Directions and Point Sheet

• Page 21: Links and Resources for You

• Page 22: TOU and Credits

 AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
HOW TO… A GUIDE TO DOCUMENTARIES IN MICROSOFT POWERPOINT
This informational page includes details about how students can add
video and narration to PowerPoint if they use the software for their
documentary.

THE TEACHER CHECKLIST

The Teacher Checklist is a step-by-step guide for how to run the project in
your classroom.

THE RUBRIC
The rubric can be used to grade student documentaries.

TEACHER NOTES
As students work, consider walking around with a clipboard to take notes.
It will make grading so much easier later on!

DOCUMENTARY DIRECTIONS
A page with basic information about documentaries and general
directions about the project itself.

THE STUDENT CHECKLIST

The Student Checklist is a step-by-step guide for completing the
documentary project. Each group should have a copy of this checklist with
them when working on the documentary to keep them organized.

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 AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
THE AUDIENCE ACTIVITY
This activity guides students in thinking about the needs and interests of
their audience when creating their documentary.

STORYBOARD
The key to a successful documentary project is planning. The storyboard
helps groups sort out their ideas before they begin creating their
documentaries. I recommend that the teacher check the storyboards
before allowing students to begin using software to make their
documentaries. If students have a detailed plan, the creation process will
be more efficient and fun!

THE CALENDAR
Each group can be given a calendar to fill out. Students can mark in-class
work days, due dates, and individual member work due dates. My
students even scheduled days to shoot footage for their documentaries.
The director keeps the calendar organized and helps the group to stay
focused.

JOB CARDS
I’ve included six job cards although you don’t have to have six people per
group. I recommend groups of four. The most critical jobs are Art Director,
Writer, Script Supervisor, and Actor. The other jobs can be divided
amongst the group members. I’ve had groups of three as well and
removed the “Actor” job. The entire group became actors. (In fact, most
groups have multiple students who want to be actors. That’s perfectly
fine! The student with the Actor card can be the leader in that situation).
I’ve even had some groups recruit extras (students from other groups) to
temporarily help them out!

MOVIE POSTER AND MOVIE POSTER POINT SHEET

This activity adds an extra dose of fun to the project. You can hang the
posters around the classroom. The point sheet is blank so you can
customize the point values.
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 A NOTE ABOUT TECHNOLOGY
Before you begin using the materials included in this resource, make
sure you have access to computers or tablets. You’ll need at least one
per group, however I recommend at least two computers.

Since students will be working on different jobs simultaneously, it’s

helpful if they have access to the proper equipment for their jobs. For
example, the Writer will need a computer to record information into
the video editing program or PowerPoint. At the same time, the Script
Supervisor will be writing scripts for the actors (typed or
handwritten). At least one computer must be used by the Writer. Any
additional computers can be divided amongst other group members as
necessary.

VIDEO:
Ask your school tech if they have access to video recording devices. If
not, consider allowing your students to use their cellphones to record
video. Students can also find video files online or simply make a series
of images appear on the screen and record their voice or music in the
documentary. The choices are endless. It all depends upon your comfort
level and access to technology.

SOFTWARE:
Microsoft PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker or iMovie are easy tools
for students to use and come preloaded on most school computers.
There’s also online programs like Canva that you might consider.

©The Teacher’s Prep

 A GUIDE TO DOCUMENTARIES IN
MICROSOFT POWERPOINT
HOW DO I ADD A VIDEO?
If you are adding a video from a smartphone or camera, first
save the file onto your computer. Then click the “Insert” tab at
the top of the screen. Then click “Video” and “Video on my PC”.
Locate the correct file and press insert. You can resize the video
to fit the whole screen or adjust it any way you wish.

HOW DO I NARRATE A SLIDE?

To narrate your documentary, click on the “Slideshow” tab at
the top of your screen. Then, click “Record Slideshow” to begin
the narration. Make sure you are in a quiet space! Anything
you say in front of the computer or microphone will be
recorded. If you make a mistake, you can delete the sound file
and try again! Be patient. It’s hard the first time but you’ll get
the hang of it soon! As you narrate, you are also timing the
slides, so plan your time on each slide carefully.

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THE TEACHER CHECKLIST
Choose a program for your students to use in creating their
documentary. Familiarize yourself with the tools you would like
your students to use.

Gather computers for each group (At least two are recommend,
however you can use just one for a smaller group). Decide if
student documentaries will have video and gather that
equipment as well. Decide if students can use their cellphones.

Divide your class into groups based on the number of topics you
wish to cover. Groups of 3-4 typically work best, however, smaller
groups for smaller documentaries will also work.

Give groups a copy of the “Documentary Directions” and “The

Checklist” (Consider copying them on the front/back of a sheet of
paper). Review all directions.

Before groups begin making their documentaries, they’ll need to

gather relevant information and make a storyboard as a group. It is
recommend that students gather all needed information before
beginning to plan and create their documentary. In addition, filling
out the Storyboard will give them a “map” to follow as they create
their documentaries and lessen confusion within the group.

Hand out copies of the Job Cards to students and allow them to
select a job. You could also pre-select jobs for them in advance,
however, letting students choose their own job gives them
ownership of the project.

Once students begin the creation process, walk around and

monitor their progress. You can fill out the Teacher Observation
Notes daily and assist when needed. Students often have the most
questions at the beginning and when inputting video and sound
into their presentations. Please see the “How To” page to assist
with Microsoft PowerPoint.

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THE RUBRIC
Category
The documentary The documentary The documentary The documentary
covers the topic in covers the topic in covers the topic with is missing several
Content detail and includes detail and includes some details, important details
excellent examples, good examples, however there are 2- and has many
evidence, and facts. evidence, and facts. 4 factual errors. factual errors.

The group has The group has made The group has made The group has
made excellent use good use of colors, use of colors, made a poor
Design of colors, graphics, graphics, pictures, graphics, pictures, effort to include a
pictures, and and effects. and effects, however variety of colors,
effects. they are distracting graphics, pictures,
and are not relevant and effects.
at times.
The documentary is The documentary is The documentary is The documentary
easy to read and all easy to read and hard to read and is unorganized
Neatness information is very most of the several scenes are and very difficult
organized. information is disorganized. to understand.
organized.

Spelling and No spelling or 1-2 spelling or 3-5 spelling or More than 5

grammatical grammatical grammatical spelling or
Grammar mistakes exist. mistakes could be mistakes could be grammatical
found. found. mistakes could be
found.
The group worked The group worked The group had Group members
cooperatively and cooperatively but several disputes that did not work
Cooperation solved all needed teacher required multiple cooperatively
disagreements assistance to interventions by the during most of
effectively. resolve disputes. teacher. the project.

TEACHER COMMENTS:

GRADE:
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TEACHER NOTES
Research/
Information

Documentary
Content and
Design

Cooperation

Time
Management

EXTRA COMMENTS:

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DOCUMENTARY DIRECTIONS
WHAT IS A DOCUMENTARY?
A documentary is a film that that provides factual information to
the audience.

WHY DO PEOPLE CREATE DOCUMENTARIES?

People create documentaries to inform their audience about a
particular topic. Documentaries are designed to keep viewers
interested in learning about a new subject. They often include
interviews with experts, live-action reenactments, animation,
and historical images and films.

THE DIRECTIONS
Collaborate with group members to create a documentary! You
are required to include important facts and details in an
organized and engaging way. Your film should keep the
audience’s attention and teach them new information.

Each person in the group will have different

jobs, including Director, Art Director, Actor,
Writer, and more! Each person is only
responsible for their own part in creating the
documentary, however, each person’s role is
equally important. You all will have to work
together to write, design and produce an award-
winning documentary!

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THE CHECKLIST
Follow the steps below as you create your documentary.

Read the Documentary Directions and discuss any questions or concerns

you have with your group and the teacher.

Conduct research on your documentary topic.

PLAN
Make a plan for your documentary by using the Storyboard activity.
Organize the order you’ll present the information and discuss ideas for
videos, interviews, and other creative elements your group will add.

Examine the Job Cards. Each group member needs to select a different job.
Read the descriptions carefully as this will be your job while creating the
documentary.

CREATE
Collaborate with group members to write, design, and create the
documentary. All group members will need to work together to
successfully complete the project.

Film or select relevant video, music and sound recordings for your
documentary.

EDIT AND REVISE

Check your documentary for spelling and factual errors.

Watch your documentary from start to finish a final time to make sure all
videos, music, voice-overs, images and text appear correct.

THAT’S A WRAP!
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THE AUDIENCE
Before you begin planning the documentary, you need to be aware of your audience. A good
filmmaker knows the interests of their viewers and includes ideas and elements that will captivate
the audience. Complete the following activity by talking to classmates and group members.

Who is your audience? What types of movies or T.V.

shows does you audience like to
watch? (action, cartoon, etc.)

What types of movies or T.V.

shows does your audience
dislike?

What parts of your assigned

topic does your audience find
the least interesting?

What parts of your assigned

topic does your audience find the
most interesting?

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THE STORYBOARD
In the boxes below, plan the scenes of your documentary.
Draw pictures in the boxes and include details underneath.

TITLE:

______________________ ______________________
______________________ ______________________

______________________ ______________________
______________________ ______________________

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 THE STORYBOARD

______________________ ______________________
______________________ ______________________

______________________ ______________________
______________________ ______________________

______________________ ______________________
______________________ ______________________
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 THE STORYBOARD
MONTH

DOCUMENTARY DUE DATE:

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 Director
The Director keeps the group
focused. They are responsible
for organizing the calendar,
scheduling tasks, and assisting
group members with their jobs.

Script Supervisor

The Script Supervisor writes all

scripts for live-action scenes and
voice-overs.

Art Director
The Art Director is responsible for
the creative elements of the
documentary. This includes
pictures, transitions, and the
overall look of the documentary.

©The Teacher’s Prep

 Actor
The Actor is responsible for
acting out scenes or recording
voice-overs in the documentary.

Writer
The Writer records all written
information into the
documentary.

Publicist
The Publicist is responsible for
creating the advertisements for
the documentary.

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MOVIE POSTER
It’s almost time to release your documentary! Design a poster that illustrates the
subject of your documentary in a creative way.

Your poster must include:

The title of your documentary

Images that reflect the subject of your

documentary

A tag-line, or slogan, for your documentary

Creative design and colors that fit the mood

of your documentary

The poster must be neat and

organized

ACTION!
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MOVIE POSTER POINT SHEET

The title of the documentary / points

Images that reflect the subject

of the documentary / points

A tag-line, or slogan, for

/ points
the documentary

Creative design and colors that

fit the mood of your / points
documentary

The poster must be neat and

/ points
organized

TEACHER COMMENTS:

GRADE:

ACTION!
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