Making a difference
Previously, CNN highlighted 10 photos that heightened concern about climate change. This activity asks students to examine how what they cover or include could also make an impact and show the importance of the issue.
Quill and Scroll Guiding Principles:
Truth, Learning, Leadership, Loyalty, Initiative, Integrity, Judgment
Materials:
CNN photos
Set up:
Project the photos and have the discussion points ready. It might be good to disclose some of the photos they will see are sad. All are real photos.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Previously, CNN highlighted 10 photos that heightened concern about climate change. Show the first photo.
- For each, take a moment to think about your reaction to this initial photo. How does the photo make you feel? How does it impact you? What other thoughts do you have?
- Then, in turn do the same for the next nine photos. You could have students discuss with a partner instead of a large group if you would prefer.
- These photos have an impact. While we can’t show the national and international photos on climate change, how could localize the concern part of the coverage?
- Take a look at these photos — especially the hope part. What can young aspiring journalists learn from this as well?
- How can student journalists highlight both concern and hope in their coverage?
- In what ways have the student journalists at your school covered issues that matter to students? How can you work to further fine tune your coverage for the end of school and for the following year?
- Are there other topics of similar importance and impact that should be included in your student media? What are these? How do you best show the content? Are there multiple ways? (For example, photo, story, infographic, video, etc.)
