Project 2

Project - Interview a Superhero

Resource Type:

Project

Duration:

1.5-hours

Outcomes:

Learners are expected to:

SCO 2.1.          create a new Audacity project

SCO 2.8.          export an Audacity project as an MP3 file

SCO 2.9.          demonstrate an understanding of the difference between an Audacity project and an audio file, such as an MP3 or WAV file

SCO 3.1.          identify and use the Audacity transport controls for Play, Record and Stop

SCO 3.2.          perform a basic record function

SCO 3.3.          create a multitrack audio recording

SCO 3.4.          resize an audio track

SCO 3.5.          adjust the input levels in Audacity

SCO 3.6.          use the Zoom tools

SCO 3.7.          demonstrate how to use the Selection Tool

SCO 3.8.          delete an entire audio track

SCO 3.9.          use the Time Shift tool to effectively edit sound

SCO 4.2.          adjust the volume level of an individual track using the gain slider

SCO 4.3.          analyze the volume level of a sound and make appropriate adjustments

SCO 4.5.          demonstrate how to use the Undo and History functions

SCO 4.6.          analyze the synchronization of multiple tracks and make appropriate adjustments

SCO 4.7.          examine a piece of sound and apply appropriate Fade in and Fade out effects

SCO 5.4.          identify the visual characteristics of a good sounding waveform

SCO 5.11.        recognize that Audacity can be used as a means to produce deliver a theatrical work

SCO 5.12.        create a fictional interview

Suggested Evaluation:

Interview a Superhero is a project which asks students to thing critically about how they can use Audacity to achieve a goal. Each student may come up with a slightly different way of using Audacity to accomplish his/her goals.

Interview a Superhero is a very open ended project. With respect to Bloom’s Taxonomy, this project engages students in analysis, synthesis, evaluation and creative thought. Students should be encouraged to think critically of ways to use Audacity in the production of their interviews.

A simple rubric can be used to evaluate students’ achievement of the specific curriculum outcomes for this activity. Some outcomes can be evaluated when reviewing students’ submitted MP3’s. Outcomes such as SCO’s 2.9, 3.1, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 4.5, and 4.7 can be evaluated by observing and dialoging with students as they work on the project.

Below is a suggested rubric to assist with your evaluation:

Incomplete                 0
Unsatisfactory           1
Satisfactory                2
Exceptional                3

OUTCOMES	EVALUATION
SCO 2.1
SCO 2.8
SCO 3.2
SCO 3.3
SCO 3.5
SCO 3.9
SCO 4.2
SCO 4.3
SCO 4.6
SCO 5.4
SCO 5.11

Procedure:

If you could meet a superhero what would be some questions you would like to ask? Now is your chance! In this project you will invent a superhero and then interview that superhero. You will use Audacity to record edit your interview and submit your interview to your instructor for evaluation.

Audacity has many effects that let us change the sound of our voices. You can record your own voice, add some effects and sound like a completely different person. In this project you will use Audacity to make your voice sound like a superhero.

You will use Audacity to record two audio tracks: One of you (the interviewer) asking five questions and a second track of you (the superhero) answering the five questions. You need to give the illusion of two different people speaking. Use Audacity to change the sound of your voice. What does a superhero sound like?? That is completely up to you. Effects, such as Change Pitch, Reverse, Echo, Equalization, and Phaser can make your voice sound VERY different. Which effects will you use?

The first thing you will need to do is come up with five questions to ask the superhero and five answers to those questions. Be creative. You may want to use some real-life concerns about things that are happening in your school or community. Have fun!

There are many ways to do this project. Here are some suggestions, but you can do your interview whatever way works best for you:

-       You could ask all the questions on track 1. Then use “EDIT -> SPLIT” to split track 1 into five separate pieces – one for each question. You can use the Time Shift tool then move each question around to fit where you need them. You can then do the same for your answers on track 2.

-       You could record all five questions on track 1 and leave enough time to answer the question between each question. If you have too much time after a question you can use the Selection tool and Delete to remove unwanted sound.

There are several ways to do this project and they are all equally good. Use your own judgment to find a way that works best for you.

When you have completed this project export your interview as an MP3 file and call it “your name Superhero Interview.MP3.” Submit your mp3 to your instructor for evaluation.

Evaluation

What you need to submit to your instructor:

-       An MP3 of your play called “yourname Superhero Interview.MP3”

-       Include appropriate Metatdata when you export your MP3