Project 3

Project - Create a Radio Play

Resource Type:

Project

Duration:

2-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 2.12.        find and download sound samples from the Internet

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 5.10.        create a radio play

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

Suggested Evaluation:

Create a Radio Play 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 radio plays.

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 2.12
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 5.10
SCO 5.11

Procedure:

Before the widespread use of television, radio was one of the most popular sources for family entertainment. In those days radio stations would broadcast a wide range of comedy, drama, even thriller radio plays. One of the most important radio plays was Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds. This thriller was so well done that many listeners actually thought that the United States was being invaded by creatures from Mars! You can listen to War of the Worlds on this website: http://archive.org/details/OrsonWellesMrBruns

Your Own Radio Play

In this project you will create your own radio play. You will use Audacity to record and edit the voice actors and sound effects. When you are done you will need to use Audacity to export your radio play as an MP3 file and submit it to your instructor for evaluation.

As the creator, your radio play can be about anything you would like. Try and choose a topic that is important to you. Be sure to get your instructor’s approval on your topic before you begin working on it.

Your play needs to have 2 or more characters.

You will need to create a short storyline and script to help you with your play. A storyline is a simple outline of the plot of your radio play. A script tells what every character says throughout the play.

Your play needs to be 2 or more minutes in length.

You can do this project with friends or alone. If you are working alone you need to make sure that each character’s voice sounds different. Using some effects, such as Change Pitch, may help with this. If you are working with friends each person can have a different character they can portray in the play.

As in War of the Worlds, using sound effects can help set the scene of your radio play. Use at least 4 sound effects in your play. These could be effects such as thunder, footsteps, slapping, wind or explosions. The sound effects must help your radio play. Do not use sounds that have no connection to your story. Instead, you need to use sound effects that will enhance your story. You can either download your sound effects from the Internet or create them yourself. Be sure to use the Gain sliders on your tracks to make the volume of your samples fit along with your actors’ voices.

You are expected to use good recording and editing techniques as you produce your radio play. Here are some things to consider as you record and edit:

-       Set your Input Volume Level properly before recording to ensure that your recordings are not too quiet or too loud to cause clipping

-       Use Fade In and Fade Out effects so your sound does not start or stop abruptly

-       Adjust the volume levels of each track and sound to make a nice even sound

-       Use Pan to place sounds from left to right.

-       Use the effects in the Effect menu to change and enhance your sounds if you like

Evaluation

What you need to submit to your instructor:

-       An MP3 of your play called “yourname Radio Play.MP3”

-       Include appropriate Metatdata when you export your MP3