Grade 7 Mystery Audiobook Project
Learning Outcomes:
- Develop storytelling skills within the mystery genre.
- Enhance creative writing and narrative structure.
- Utilize digital tools (Soundtrap, Freesound) for multimedia production.
- Collaborate effectively in small groups to produce an audiobook.
- Demonstrate understanding of sound design and its role in storytelling.
Project Title:
Mystery Unraveled: A Grade 7 Audiobook Production
Purpose:
This project will challenge you to create an original short mystery story and bring it to life as an audiobook. Using Soundtrap for recording and editing, and Freesound for immersive sound effects, you will collaborate to produce a professional-quality mystery audio experience. Through this process, you will develop storytelling, digital literacy, and teamwork skills.
Final Deliverable:
Each group will submit a fully produced mystery audiobook (5-7 minutes in length) that includes:
- A well-structured mystery story with clear plot development and resolution.
- High-quality audio narration with distinct character voices.
- Effective use of sound effects and background music to enhance mood and setting.
Process:
- Story Development: Brainstorm mystery ideas, outline the plot, and write the script.
- Pre-Production: Assign voice roles, plan sound effects, and set up recording spaces.
- Recording: Use Soundtrap to record dialogue and narration.
- Sound Design: Integrate sound effects and background music from Freesound.
- Editing: Use Soundtrap’s tools to mix and refine the final audiobook.
- Submission & Reflection: Submit the final audiobook and complete a short reflection on the creative and technical process.
Team Roles & Responsibilities:
- Groups of 3-4 students.
- Each student will contribute to at least two areas: writing, voice acting, sound design, or editing.
- Teams will collaboratively review and refine their work before submission.
Rubric
This sounds like a really fun project for students! Do your students already know how to use soundtrap and edit in that platform, or is that something that you would have to teach during this assignment?
The plan is to have them work through various tech steps and learn the program as the move through the project. Each rubric will be focused on learning the program and integrating it into their final production.
Hi Hannah,
Audio is a great medium to foster creativity and put everyone at a similar starting point. I think the limitations imposed by audio can help as long as student think about what can be done well with the medium instead of trying to replicate text or video. In some cases a group might need an early intervention if they are stuck
I think the first two learning outcomes could be combined (and I wouldn’t use ‘enhance’). Your rubric criteria work well. I’d suggest massaging the learning outcomes to match.
I appreciate the feedback, Keith!