Journalism Lesson Plan

Overview:CNN reporter Paula Zahn has a one-hour special Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007 entitled, “Hip-Hop: Art or Poison?” The URL below offers “Web Extras” plus videos and related sites.

Suggested time allotment: The topic can go lots of directions so the time information gathering and writing take will vary. These could include the following:

Objectives

Students will:

1. Watch the CNN television special and write a review, being specific about what was good or not-so-good about it.
2. Use these links and others to investigate the pros and cons of Hip-Hop, interviewing local students to see how their views compare.
3. Explore the growth of Hip-Hop in schools/community by interviewing students, local DJs, music professionals from the media, etc. Create a timeline to show growth.

Standards: National Council of Teachers of English and International Reading Association Standards for English Language Arts:

7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.
8. Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.
12. Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

Resources and materials:
Web sites with information:
• “Out in the Open” – “Hip-Hop: Art or Poison?” with Paula Zahn on CNN.
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