Title: Improving Everyday Objects: Creating a Video Commercial

Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade)

Subject: Media Studies/Marketing

Objective: Students will demonstrate their understanding of marketing strategies by creating a video commercial that showcases an improved version of an everyday object. They will research common advertising techniques and apply them in their commercial to effectively communicate the benefits of their improved product to a target audience.

Materials Needed:

• Access to video recording equipment (smartphones, cameras,.)
• Access to video editing software (can be free software or apps)
• Paper and pens for brainstorming and scriptwriting
• Presentation equipment for showcasing final commercials

Lesson Plan:

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

   • Engage students with a discussion about the purpose of advertising and the influence of commercials on consumer behavior.
   • Introduce the lesson's objective: to create a video commercial for an improved version of an everyday object.

2. Exploration and Research (20 minutes)

   • Instruct students to brainstorm and choose an everyday object to improve (e.g., a water bottle, a backpack, a smartphone case).
   • Guide students to research existing commercials and advertising strategies used in similar product categories.
   • Encourage students to consider the target for their improved product and the specific needs or problems their product addresses.

3. Scriptwriting (30 minutes)

   • Ask students to outline their commercial, including a script for the dialogue visual scenes, and key messages.
   • Emphasize the importance of storytelling and persuasive language to capture the audience's attention and convey the benefits of the improved product.

4. Filming (40 minutes)

   • Provide time and resources for students to film their commercials, they incorporate visual and audio elements that align with their chosen advertising strategies.
   • Encourage creativity in filming techniques and the use of persuasive visuals to showcase the improved product.

5. Editing (30 minutes)

   • Students should use video editing software to refine their commercials, adding music, voiceovers, and text overlays as needed.
   • Emphasize the importance of pacing, transitions, and visual appeal to maintain audience engagement.

6. Presentation and Reflection (20 minutes)

   • Each group presents their commercial to the class, highlighting the marketing strategies used and the specific improvements made to the everyday object.
   • After each presentation, facilitate a discussion on the effectiveness of the commercials, focusing on the persuasiveness of the messaging and visual elements.
   • Encourage students to reflect on the experience and what they learned about the creative and strategic aspects of marketing through this activity.

Assessment:

• The commercials can be assessed based on their creativity, adherence to advertising strategies, clarity of messaging, and overall effectiveness in promoting the improved product.

Extension:

• To further the lesson, students can analyze the impact of their commercials on different audience groups through surveys or discussions, exploring how various demographics respond to different marketing techniques.

This lesson plan provides a comprehensive framework for students to learn about marketing, advertising, and media production while fostering creativity and critical thinking.