Craft Camera

Topic: Importance of Women Behind the Camera

Empowerment Lesson Video: Importance of Women Behind the Camera

Supplies:

Small cardboard box, one per student
Construction paper
A small bead or small bottle cap, one per student
A larger bead or bottle cap, one per student
Scissors
Glue stick
Ruler

Advance Preparation: Brainstorm 4-5 popular children’s movies and find the director’s name for each. Write the movies and director’s names on the whiteboard or overhead.

Video Discussion:

Prompt the students to read the whiteboard or overhead.

Ask students if they notice anything interesting about the list. Have them briefly discuss with a partner. Ensure that students notice the male/female ratio of directors.

Tell students they will be watching the video Importance of Women Behind the Camera. Explain that the video presents role models talking about the role of women and girls in filmmaking.

After viewing the video, use some or all of the following questions to discuss the video content:

What differences might there be in a story written by a man and a story written by a woman?
Why is it important to have stories written by both men and women shown in movies and on TV?
Why do you think there are more men and boys in the film industry than women and girls?
What challenges might women and girls face to entering the film industry?

Activity Instructions:

Students will create their own model cameras from simple craft materials. They will also learn about the basic components of a camera.

Today, you will be designing and building your own model camera! You’ll decorate it in your unique style and add features like a lens and buttons to make it look like the real thing. Let’s get creative and capture some inspiration!

Gather the materials you will need for this activity including a small cardboard box, construction paper, glue, a small bead or bottle cap, and a larger bead or bottle cap,
Decorate the cardboard box with construction paper in a design/style that you like. If you’re not sure, check the activity photo for inspiration!
On the top of the cardboard box, glue the smaller bottle cap or bead on one side and the larger bottle cap or bead on the other side. These will represent the flash and shutter buttons.
Cut a piece of construction paper into a 2x7-inch strip. Roll the paper into a cylinder shape and tape it.
Position the cylinder on the front of the cardboard box in the center. Glue the cylinder on to the box. The cylinder represents the camera lens.
Optional: Customize your camera by adding more decoration or a hand or neck strap.

*Adapted from simpleasthatblog.com.