Activity 3: Reporting
Live from Halifax
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Grades 9-10
Duration: 2 to 3 lessons
PDF
halifaxexplosion_groupbroadcast.pdf
Summary
Students will present an accurate, live, video news account of the Halifax
Explosion.
Purpose:
To retell the story of the Halifax Explosion using contemporary broadcast
techniques
Subjects: History,
Social Studies, Media Studies
Materials
A recent national news broadcast on video
Before Exploring
Review a brief clip from a recent national news broadcast with the students.
Identify the key components of a broadcast news presentation. Ask: What
makes live reporting effective or ineffective? How does it differ from
newspaper reporting? Record their responses on the board or chart paper.
Outline the Opportunity
In small groups, students will review the CBC Halifax Explosion Web site.
Groups will take notes on the information they need to produce a three-minute
live broadcast from the scene of the Halifax Explosion. They will decide
the elements to feature and organize the reporting, making sure all group
members have a clearly defined role to play. Groups can use the download
sheet Group Broadcast to organize their roles. All stories will be broadcast
to the class and videotaped if materials are available.
Groups may use correspondents, live interviews, or
other elements recorded on the board. Allow groups time for at least one
rehearsal before going "live to air."
Revisit and Reflect
Have groups broadcast to their classmates. Following the broadcasts, discuss
with students the ethics and limits of reporting about disasters and tragedies.
Ask:
- Should there be any restriction on images or
impact?
- Can live reporting be too difficult for an audience
to view? Can it be too confusing?
- Should reporters and an audience view, observe,
and analyze people in the midst of a disaster?
Extension
Following the discussion, replay group videotapes. Students can analyze
and critique their work in light of their discussion about reporting about
disasters and tragedies.
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