Podcast Project for Students: A Free PBL Lesson Plan

In this article you will find a free project based learning lesson plan where your students will create their own podcast series! A fun and engaging, cross-curricular project for students in middle and high school.

Podcast Project for Students: A Free PBL Lesson Plan

Title: Creating a Student Podcast Series

Grade Level: Middle School and High School

Duration: 4-6 weeks (depending on the frequency and length of episodes)

Subject Area: Media Literacy, English Language Arts

Objective: By the end of this project-based lesson plan, students will be able to plan, create, and publish a student podcast series on a topic of their choice, demonstrating their understanding of podcast production, storytelling, and effective communication.

Materials Needed:

1. Computers or tablets with internet access and audio recording/editing software (e.g., Audacity, Adobe Audition, GarageBand).
2. Microphones or headset microphones for recording.
3. Access to a podcast hosting platform (e.g., Anchor, Podbean, Libsyn).
4. Writing materials (notebooks, pens).
5. Reference materials on podcasting and storytelling.
6. Projector for presentations.

Week 1: Introduction to Podcasting and Topic Selection

Day 1: Introduction to Podcasting

Discuss the popularity and significance of podcasts.

Watch a short video or listen to a sample podcast episode.

Define key podcasting terms (e.g., episode, host, script, intro, outro).

Discuss the power of audio storytelling.

Day 2: Brainstorming Podcast Ideas

Have students brainstorm potential podcast topics individually or in small groups.

Encourage creativity, personal interests, and relevance to the audience.

Share ideas and discuss their potential.

Day 3: Topic Selection

Each student/group presents their podcast idea to the class.

Classmates provide feedback and suggestions.

After feedback, students finalize their podcast topics.

Week 2: Planning Your Student Podcast Project

Day 1: Research and Content Development

Introduce research methods and reliable sources.

Students conduct initial research on their chosen topics.

Discuss structuring podcast episodes and creating an outline.

Day 2: Script Writing

Teach the basics of script writing for podcasts (e.g., intro, content, outro).

Show examples of effective podcast scripts.

Have students draft their scripts for the first episode.

Day 3: Podcast Planning Workshop

Review individual or group scripts.

Offer feedback and suggestions for improvements.

Finalize scripts and discuss the episode’s purpose and goals.

Week 3: Recording and Editing your Podcast Project for Students

Day 1: Recording Your Podcast

Introduce microphone use and recording software.

Practice recording intros and outros.

Begin recording the content of the first episode.

Day 2: Editing Your Podcast

Teach basic audio editing techniques (e.g., removing background noise, adding music).

Guide students through the editing process.

Encourage multiple drafts and revisions.

Day 3: Peer Review and Feedback

Have students exchange their edited episodes.

Provide constructive feedback on content and audio quality.

Encourage students to make necessary revisions.

Week 4: Polishing Your Podcast Project for Students

Day 1: Final Editing and Quality Check

Discuss the importance of quality in podcast production.

Review edited episodes and provide guidance for further improvements.

Ensure that each episode is polished and ready for publication.

Day 2: Cover Art and Episode Descriptions

Discuss the significance of podcast cover art and episode descriptions.

Have students design cover art and write compelling descriptions for their series and episodes.

Day 3: Preparing for Launch

Teach students how to set up a podcast hosting account.

Guide them through the process of uploading episodes and creating a podcast feed.

Schedule a date for the podcast series launch.

Week 5: Launching Your Podcast Series

Day 1: Promotion and Marketing

Discuss the importance of marketing and audience engagement.

Teach students how to promote their podcast through social media, school, and community.

Create a marketing plan for the podcast series.

Day 2: First Episode Launch

Publish the first episode on the chosen podcast hosting platform.

Celebrate the launch and listen to the episode as a class.

Discuss any challenges and the lessons learned during the process.

Week 6: Ongoing Production and Reflection for your Podcast Project for Students

Day 1: Planning Future Episodes

Discuss strategies for maintaining consistent content.

Begin planning and scripting the next episodes.

Set a release schedule for future episodes.

Day 2: Listener Feedback and Reflection

Encourage students to gather feedback from listeners.

Reflect on the process, challenges, and successes of the podcast series.

Discuss the potential for future episodes or season two.

Day 3: Closing Celebration

Celebrate the completion of the podcast series.

Share episodes with family and friends.

Discuss how podcasting skills and lessons can be applied to other projects and media.

Throughout the project, you can integrate media literacy lessons, ethical considerations in podcasting, and discussion of responsible digital citizenship. This project-based lesson plan will empower students to develop important skills in communication, digital media, and storytelling while fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Bonus: PBL Lesson Plan Template

Whether you’re designing a project based lesson plan for your class, co-op, or homeschool family, make it easy with a simple and effective lesson plan template. This template includes a two-page overview of your project, five days of planning, and a ten point rubric all in a simple-to-edit Google Doc.

Related:
– Project Based Learning Activities: 50 Engaging Ideas!
– PBL Project Ideas: 10 Real World Challenges
– PBL Lesson Plan Template: The Power of Project Based Learning