World History Radio Shows

World History Radio ShowsPresented by Heidi Whitus

(based on lessons developed by Jill Barton)

Communications Arts High SchoolNorthside Independent School DistrictSan Antonio, Texas

TATNJanuary 2009

Students choose a time period from Students choose a time period from their current unit of World History and their current unit of World History and create an original radio broadcast as if create an original radio broadcast as if it were from that era.it were from that era.

Shows can be in the form of a Shows can be in the form of a commercial, public service announcement, news story, or talk show, including musical interludes and sound effects.

Unit Overview

Students will first write the script, then Students will first write the script, then use audio editing software (such as Adobe use audio editing software (such as Adobe Audition, Audacity, Garage Band) to Audition, Audacity, Garage Band) to record their voices and to combine record their voices and to combine several audio tracks in order to add music several audio tracks in order to add music and sound effects.and sound effects. Audio editing features of the program (special Audio editing features of the program (special

effects, audio enhancement and correction, effects, audio enhancement and correction, and volume and pan control) will be used.and volume and pan control) will be used.

Unit Overview

World History TEKS§113.33 (c) (1) (A) major eras in world history§113.33 (c) (1) (A) major eras in world history§113.33 (c) (1) (B) turning points in world history§113.33 (c) (1) (B) turning points in world history§113.33 (c) (13) (A) Neolithic agricultural revolution§113.33 (c) (13) (A) Neolithic agricultural revolution§113.33 (c) (13) (B) development of the first civilizations§113.33 (c) (13) (B) development of the first civilizations§113.33 (c) (17) (B) roles of citizens & noncitizens in historical §113.33 (c) (17) (B) roles of citizens & noncitizens in historical

culturescultures§113.33 (c) (18)(B) Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian ideals §113.33 (c) (18)(B) Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian ideals §113.33 (c) (20) (B) art, architecture, literature, music, and drama§113.33 (c) (20) (B) art, architecture, literature, music, and drama§113.33 (c) (22) (A) Eastern civilizations§113.33 (c) (22) (A) Eastern civilizations§113.33 (c) (22) (B) Greece and Rome§113.33 (c) (22) (B) Greece and Rome§113.33 (c) (25) (B) locate and use primary and secondary sources§113.33 (c) (25) (B) locate and use primary and secondary sources§113.33 (c) (25) (E) process of historical inquiry §113.33 (c) (25) (E) process of historical inquiry §113.33 (c) (26)(A) social studies terminology§113.33 (c) (26)(A) social studies terminology§113.33 (c) (26) (D) transfer information from one medium to §113.33 (c) (26) (D) transfer information from one medium to

anotheranother

Multimedia TEKS§126.26 (c) (1) (I) basic sound editing principles§126.26 (c) (1) (I) basic sound editing principles§126.26 (c) (2) (A) electronic input devices§126.26 (c) (2) (A) electronic input devices§126.26 (c) (2) (D) audio input§126.26 (c) (2) (D) audio input§126.26 (c) (3) (C) respect of intellectual property§126.26 (c) (3) (C) respect of intellectual property§126.26 (c) (5) (A) acquisition of information in electronic formats§126.26 (c) (5) (A) acquisition of information in electronic formats§126.26 (c) (5) (B) identify, create, and use available file formats§126.26 (c) (5) (B) identify, create, and use available file formats§126.26 (c) (7) (A) use foundation and enrichment curricula§126.26 (c) (7) (A) use foundation and enrichment curricula§126.26 (c) (8) (C) multimedia programs and tools§126.26 (c) (8) (C) multimedia programs and tools§126.26 (c) (8) (F) roles and jobs of a multimedia production crew§126.26 (c) (8) (F) roles and jobs of a multimedia production crew§126.26 (c) (8) (I) capture, record, and integrate sound §126.26 (c) (8) (I) capture, record, and integrate sound §126.26 (c) (10) (B) use content selection and presentation§126.26 (c) (10) (B) use content selection and presentation§126.26 (c) (10) (C) format the multimedia project§126.26 (c) (10) (C) format the multimedia project§126.26 (c) (11) (B) publish information§126.26 (c) (11) (B) publish information§126.26 (c) (12) (B) seek and respond to input§126.26 (c) (12) (B) seek and respond to input

ObjectivesStudents will:Students will: Engage in Engage in pre-production pre-production

planningplanning by conducting research by conducting research on a time period from World on a time period from World History and writing a radio History and writing a radio script following a prescribed format.

SelectSelect appropriate sound effects appropriate sound effects and music to enhance the mood and music to enhance the mood and authenticity of the radio and authenticity of the radio program.program.

ObjectivesStudents will:Students will: RecordRecord voice tracks using audio voice tracks using audio

software and a microphone, and software and a microphone, and select the best performance for select the best performance for the final project.the final project.

Use audio software to Use audio software to editedit multiple tracks of audio, multiple tracks of audio, addingadding music and sound effects where music and sound effects where appropriate.appropriate.

ExportExport the final project in the the final project in the correct format.correct format.

Time RequiredApproximately eight (8) 50-minute Approximately eight (8) 50-minute

class periodsclass periods 2 periods: research and pre-production2 periods: research and pre-production 2 periods: recording voices and 2 periods: recording voices and

acquiring sound effects and musicacquiring sound effects and music 2 periods: editing2 periods: editing 2 periods: class critique and feedback2 periods: class critique and feedback

Materials Required Instructional materials:Instructional materials:

handouts explaining project and handouts explaining project and requirements;requirements;

optional: template for script created optional: template for script created ahead of time in word processing ahead of time in word processing program;program;

software how-to handouts;software how-to handouts; assessment rubric; andassessment rubric; and examples of different types of radio

shows and completed projects (from previous years)

Materials Required Resources:Resources:

Internet access and/or World History Internet access and/or World History textbook for background research;textbook for background research;

music loops (as available with certain music loops (as available with certain audio software);audio software);

objects for creating objects for creating sound effects, or sound effects files on CD or from Internet

Materials Required Hardware:Hardware:

computers capable of recording audio;computers capable of recording audio; microphones and headphonesmicrophones and headphones

Software:Software: word processing software for word processing software for

scriptwriting;scriptwriting; audio editing software such as Adobe audio editing software such as Adobe

Audition, Audacity, Cool Edit or Audition, Audacity, Cool Edit or Garage Band Garage Band

Procedure1.1. Spend some time Spend some time listening to

various radio segments (commercials, public service announcements, talk radio, etc). [Teacher can also play examples of this project from previous classes if available.]

2.2. ResearchResearch the components of the components of these radio segments, i.e., what these radio segments, i.e., what is typically included in the is typically included in the segments. Select one as the segments. Select one as the format for your product.format for your product.

Procedure3.3. SelectSelect a theme and region from a theme and region from

the time period of 3000 B.C. to the time period of 3000 B.C. to 476 A.D. (World History 476 A.D. (World History Chapters 1-5).Chapters 1-5).

To fulfill your requirements for To fulfill your requirements for World History, make sure you World History, make sure you highlight a Turning Point for your highlight a Turning Point for your theme and region from the time theme and region from the time period.period.

Procedure4.4. Write a scriptWrite a script for an entertaining for an entertaining

radio program based on your time radio program based on your time period and turning point.period and turning point.

Your program should sound as if it was Your program should sound as if it was recorded for an audience in that time recorded for an audience in that time period; for example, a commercial actually period; for example, a commercial actually produced in 1500 B.C., not a commercial produced in 1500 B.C., not a commercial produced today that refers to 1500 B.C.produced today that refers to 1500 B.C.

5.5. Your final script must Your final script must incorporate incorporate three elementsthree elements: : voice, sound effects and music.voice, sound effects and music.

For ease of readability during recording, double For ease of readability during recording, double space and make sure that sound effects and music space and make sure that sound effects and music are clearly distinguished from dialog in the script.are clearly distinguished from dialog in the script.

Procedure6.6. Using the audio software program and a Using the audio software program and a

microphone, microphone, recordrecord the voice portion of the voice portion of your program in a new project.your program in a new project.

Do your best to eliminate unwanted background Do your best to eliminate unwanted background noise (keep the microphone close, but to prevent noise (keep the microphone close, but to prevent “popping,” remember not to place the microphone “popping,” remember not to place the microphone directly in front of your mouth).directly in front of your mouth).

Stay in character.Stay in character. Play back your recording to check its quality; Play back your recording to check its quality;

record as many times as necessary to get the best record as many times as necessary to get the best possible performance.possible performance.

7.7. EditEdit the recording to delete mistakes the recording to delete mistakes and tighten pauses.and tighten pauses.

Procedure8.8. AddAdd additional audio tracks for additional audio tracks for

sound effects and music.sound effects and music.9.9. Record Record sound effectssound effects using using

props, or find sound effects on props, or find sound effects on CDs, in the loops available with CDs, in the loops available with your audio program, or on the your audio program, or on the Internet.Internet.

Procedure10.10.Create suitable Create suitable musicmusic to accent your to accent your

program, optimally using the loops program, optimally using the loops available in the audio program.available in the audio program.

Use music sparingly for the best effect. Keep Use music sparingly for the best effect. Keep in mind your World History region and theme in mind your World History region and theme when you create your music.when you create your music.

11.11.If you use copyrighted music or If you use copyrighted music or sound effects in your project, you sound effects in your project, you must must cite your audio sources in your project log to be turned in with your final recording.

Procedure11.11.The final edited The final edited lengthlength of the radio of the radio

segment should be:segment should be: Radio commercial (product or service) - exactly Radio commercial (product or service) - exactly

30 or 60 seconds30 or 60 seconds Public Service Announcement - exactly 30 Public Service Announcement - exactly 30

seconds or 60 secondsseconds or 60 seconds Talk Radio - 60 secondsTalk Radio - 60 seconds

12.12.ExportExport your project as an .mp3 file. your project as an .mp3 file. Remember to also save the project file Remember to also save the project file [on your flash drive].[on your flash drive].

13.13.UploadUpload your final .mp3 to the your final .mp3 to the eclassroom by the deadline. eclassroom by the deadline.

Closure14.14.One or two class periods will be One or two class periods will be

devoted for a devoted for a class critiqueclass critique of all of all projects. The rubric will be projects. The rubric will be discussed by the entire class for discussed by the entire class for each project.each project.

Grading Rubric-part 1CriteriaCriteria Expert Expert

4 points4 pointsPractitioner Practitioner 3 points3 points

ApprenticeApprentice2 points2 points

NoviceNovice1 point 1 point

Requirements Requirements timetimeloops loops voice voice

All requirements All requirements are met.are met.

One requirement One requirement was not completely was not completely met. met.

Two requirements Two requirements were not were not completely met.completely met.

More than two More than two requirements were requirements were not completely not completely met. met.

ScriptScript Audio reflects the Audio reflects the content written in content written in the script all of the script all of the time.the time.

Audio reflects the Audio reflects the content written in content written in the script most of the script most of the time.the time.

Audio reflects the Audio reflects the content written in content written in the script some the script some of the time.of the time.

Audio reflects very Audio reflects very little of little of the content written the content written in the script.in the script.

Writing Writing Audio creative and Audio creative and purposeful and purposeful and held the listenerheld the listener’’s s interest. interest.

Audio creative and Audio creative and purposeful and purposeful and held the listenerheld the listener’’s s interest most of interest most of the time.the time.

Audio somewhat Audio somewhat creative and creative and purposeful and purposeful and held held the listenerthe listener’’s s interest some interest some of the time.of the time.

Audio lacked Audio lacked creativeness and creativeness and purpose and rarely purpose and rarely held the listenerheld the listener’’s s interest.interest.





Voice Voice Recording Recording

Voice free of Voice free of ““poppingpopping”” and and static. Voices static. Voices always audible. always audible. Track volumes Track volumes adjusted so voices adjusted so voices clearly heard over clearly heard over music and/or music and/or sound effects. sound effects.

Voices usually Voices usually audible. audible. Track volumes not Track volumes not adjusted adjusted adequately so adequately so voices clearly voices clearly heard over music heard over music and/or sound and/or sound effects. effects. Voice contained Voice contained minimal minimal ““poppingpopping”” and static. and static.

Voices sometimes Voices sometimes audible. audible. Track volumes not Track volumes not adjusted adjusted adequately so adequately so voices clearly voices clearly heard over music heard over music and/or sound and/or sound effects. effects. Voice contained Voice contained much much ““poppingpopping”” and static.and static.

Voices of actors Voices of actors were rarely were rarely audible. Track audible. Track volumes not volumes not adjusted adjusted adequately so adequately so voices clearly voices clearly heard over music heard over music and/or sound and/or sound effects. effects. Voice contained Voice contained too much too much ““poppingpopping”” and and static.static.

Staying in Staying in Character Character

Actors stayed in Actors stayed in character character throughout the throughout the recording. recording. Voices showed a Voices showed a lot of expression lot of expression and emotion.and emotion.

Actors stayed in Actors stayed in character through character through most of the most of the recording. Voices recording. Voices showed showed some expression some expression and emotion.and emotion.

Actors tried to stay Actors tried to stay in character in character through some of through some of the recording. the recording. Voices showed Voices showed little expression little expression and emotion.and emotion.

Actors acted silly Actors acted silly or showed off. or showed off. Actors' voices Actors' voices were monotone were monotone and not and not expressive.expressive.





Sound Effects Sound Effects (FX) and (FX) and Music Music

Sound FX and Sound FX and music were music were creative, added creative, added interest to interest to the audio play, and the audio play, and were appropriate were appropriate to the mood/action.to the mood/action.

Sound FX and Sound FX and music were music were creative and creative and appropriate appropriate throughout most of throughout most of the recording. the recording.

Sound FX and Sound FX and music were music were creative and creative and appropriate appropriate throughout some throughout some of the recording. of the recording.

Sound FX and Sound FX and music was lacking music was lacking in crucial areas, or in crucial areas, or were distracting were distracting (late or (late or inappropriate) inappropriate) during the during the recording.recording.

EditingEditing The audio The audio recording recording reflected reflected consistently high consistently high quality in recording quality in recording and editing of and editing of audio files into audio files into a single product. a single product. Background noise Background noise removed.removed.

The audio The audio recording mostly recording mostly reflected high reflected high quality in recording quality in recording and editing of and editing of audio files into a audio files into a single product. single product. Most background Most background noise removed. noise removed.

The audio The audio recording reflected recording reflected an inconsistent an inconsistent level of quality in level of quality in recording and recording and editing of audio editing of audio files into a single files into a single product. Some product. Some background noise background noise removed.removed.

The audio The audio recording reflected recording reflected a consistent level a consistent level of poor quality in of poor quality in recording and recording and editing of audio editing of audio files into a single files into a single product. No product. No background noise background noise removed.removed.





Overall Overall performanceperformance

Timing was Timing was excellent. There excellent. There were no dead were no dead spots or awkward spots or awkward pauses. pauses. Speed of voice Speed of voice recording recording excellent; not excellent; not rushed.rushed.

Timing was good, Timing was good, however there however there were a few dead were a few dead spots as actors spots as actors tried to find their tried to find their place in the script. place in the script. Speed of voice Speed of voice recording good; recording good; rushed some. rushed some.

Timing was Timing was awkward at some awkward at some points. Actors points. Actors seemed seemed unprepared many unprepared many times. Speed of times. Speed of voice recording voice recording okay; too rushed.okay; too rushed.

Obviously Obviously unprepared. unprepared. Giggling and Giggling and unscripted unscripted comments comments overheard between overheard between pauses. Speed of pauses. Speed of voice recording voice recording poor; irregular. poor; irregular.

Creativity and Creativity and EffortEffort

The overall audio The overall audio reflected reflected exceptional exceptional creativity and extra creativity and extra effort.effort.

The overall audio The overall audio reflected good reflected good creativity and extra creativity and extra effort. effort.

The overall audio The overall audio reflected little reflected little creativity and extra creativity and extra effort. effort.

The overall audio The overall audio reflected no reflected no creativity or extra creativity or extra effort. effort.





Documentation Documentation (if copyrighted (if copyrighted audio was audio was used) used)

Source information Source information collected for all collected for all copyrighted audio copyrighted audio (i.e. music and/or (i.e. music and/or sound effects). All sound effects). All documented in documented in MLA format. MLA format.

Source information Source information collected for all collected for all copyrighted audio copyrighted audio (i.e. music and/or (i.e. music and/or sound effects). sound effects). Most documented Most documented in MLA format. in MLA format.

Source information Source information collected for collected for copyrighted audio copyrighted audio (i.e. music and/or (i.e. music and/or sound effects), but sound effects), but not documented in not documented in MLA format. MLA format.

Very little or no Very little or no source information source information was collected. was collected.

Time Time ManagementManagement

Always used class Always used class time effectively. time effectively. Used computer lab Used computer lab outside of outside of class when class when necessarynecessary

Frequently used Frequently used class time class time effectively. effectively. Occasionally used Occasionally used computer lab computer lab outside of class outside of class when necessary. when necessary.

Occasionally used Occasionally used class time class time effectively. effectively. Seldom used Seldom used computer lab computer lab outside of class outside of class when necessary.when necessary.

Rarely used class Rarely used class time effectively. time effectively. Used computer lab Used computer lab outside of class at outside of class at last minute. last minute.

Extension Activity Advanced students can create longer and Advanced students can create longer and

more complex radio programs, based on more complex radio programs, based on radio shows from the 1930s and 1940s radio shows from the 1930s and 1940s such as “The Shadow” or “Burns and such as “The Shadow” or “Burns and Allen.” Examples can be found on sites Allen.” Examples can be found on sites such as http://www.radiolovers.com/ such as http://www.radiolovers.com/

http://www.archive.org/details/http://www.archive.org/details/ClassicRadioShows_626 and ClassicRadioShows_626 and http://www.oldtimeradiofans.com/http://www.oldtimeradiofans.com/

Struggling students may use music from Struggling students may use music from CDs rather than creating their own music CDs rather than creating their own music (being sure to cite sources).(being sure to cite sources).

Student ExamplesColinColinNathanNathanEricaEricaRosalind Rosalind McKenzie McKenzie EricEricAndrew Andrew

Questions or comments?Questions or [email protected]@nisd.net

Slideshow is online at Slideshow is online at Slideshare.comSlideshare.com(search for “World History Radio (search for “World History Radio

Show”; will not contain audio files)Show”; will not contain audio files)

Radio show examples for inspiration Nick Danger (Firesign Theater)Nick Danger (Firesign Theater)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5XfXECpU6whttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5XfXECpU6w

Professional voiceover examplesProfessional voiceover exampleshttp://www.eccsvox.com/audio-general.htmlhttp://www.eccsvox.com/audio-general.html

Downloadable commercials and advice on Downloadable commercials and advice on writing radio spotswriting radio spots

http://www.burkhardworks.com/ADSOURCES/http://www.burkhardworks.com/ADSOURCES/downloadable_radio_commercials.htmldownloadable_radio_commercials.html

Sources for sound effects Students can make their own using Students can make their own using

objects or their mouthsobjects or their mouthshttp://www.archive.org/details/Insight_050224http://www.archive.org/details/Insight_050224

Loops available through some audio Loops available through some audio editing softwareediting software

Websites such as:Websites such as: Freesound Freesound http://www.freesound.org/http://www.freesound.org/ Internet Archive Internet Archive http://www.archive.org/index.phphttp://www.archive.org/index.php

Formatting for online mediafrom http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC/mla.html

Author's Last Name, First Name OR Corporate/Institutional Author NameAuthor's Last Name, First Name OR Corporate/Institutional Author Name <if <if known> known>

Title of Document or File Title of Document or File Document date Document date OR OR date of last revision date of last revision MediumMedium (e.g. Online video clip) (e.g. Online video clip) Title of larger web site in which clip is locatedTitle of larger web site in which clip is located Name of hosting library or agencyName of hosting library or agency (if appropriate). (if appropriate). Access DateAccess Date URL <web address>URL <web address>

Examples: Examples: Lucasfilm, Ltd. "Star Wars Trailer." 05 November 1999. Online video clip. Lucasfilm, Ltd. "Star Wars Trailer." 05 November 1999. Online video clip. Star Wars Star Wars

Official SiteOfficial Site. Accessed on 02 April 2008. <http://starwars.com/episode-i/news/trailer/> . Accessed on 02 April 2008. <http://starwars.com/episode-i/news/trailer/> "Daughter Turns Dad In." CNN Video. Online video clip. CNN.com Accessed on 04 April "Daughter Turns Dad In." CNN Video. Online video clip. CNN.com Accessed on 04 April

2008. 2008. <http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2008/04/02/dnt.oh.drunk.driver.dad.wnwo> <http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2008/04/02/dnt.oh.drunk.driver.dad.wnwo>

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World History Radio Shows

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