Media Literacy Exercises for 8th Graders

[Natasha Casey]

Any great 15-20 minute media literacy interactive exercises for 8th graders out there? I teach media literacy at the college undergrad level but am participating in an open house event where 8th graders are visiting the campus. Got to come up with something cooler! Preferably involving music, television or video games. All suggestions welcome.

[Fred Mindlin]

A classic example is to show the Apple 1984 ad and a parody e.g. http://youtu.be/wcFTA6xDr6g

Another is just to find examples of product placement and discuss the topic--many will deny that it happens, sparks good conversations.

[Natasha Casey]

Thanks Fred - appreciate the suggestion.

[Frank W. Baker]

In the past I took a Jeopardy game template, and put a number of media literacy questions in categories. The students who played had a ball.

Also, this doesn't exactly meet your criteria, but I recently did a workshop at a conference where the participants assumed the role of journalists. The lesson plan and the all of the materials you need are posted here:
http://www.frankwbaker.com/cel_photo_writing_activity.htm

Frank Baker, Media Literacy Clearinghouse (www.frankwbaker.com)

[Natasha Casey]

Thanks Frank - much appreciated.