“School’s back, it’s weird”

Remember, for this Challenge, SRL is interested in your social life at school, not classwork and academics. So focus on things like lunchtime, moving through hallways between bells, sports/extracurriculars, after school activities, and your interactions with friends. PICK ONE OR TWO OF THESE QUESTIONS TO EXPLORE, OR CREATE YOUR OWN FOR YOUR 2 MINUTE VIDEO.

• How do new COVID rules affect your relationships with your friends and other students?
• Are you as free to move around the school building as you were before the pandemic? If not, how does that affect you?
• Paint us a picture of the social life in school. How has it been changed by the pandemic?
• Finish this sentence: My new normal is...
• Has anything really upset you at school, as a result of all the pandemic changes? How are people different?
• Do you still have the same kinds of interests in sports/extracurricular activities that you had before the pandemic started? If not, describe how things are different now.
• How have your relationships with friends changed, if at all?
• Describe any positive changes that you hope will outlast the pandemic.

• Video scenes and b-roll sequences that give a national audience a sense of what a day in your life at school looks like. 
• Consider your daily habits -- checking social media, doing homework, hanging out with friends, putting a mask on, sports practice, rehearsals or other extracurricular activities. What moments can you film and capture with rich b-roll and sound?  
• Lunchtime, moving through hallways between bells, sports/extracurriculars, after school activities, interactions with friends.
• Don’t forget to TELL US A STORY through a combination of voice and b-roll 

• Create an OUTLINE of what you want to say and capture before you record to help craft your thoughts and ideas.
• Record as many takes as needed until you're happy with the best one. Consider composition and your environment. Remember, we want to see your world.
• TELL US A STORY through a combination of voice and b-roll 
• Have anyone appearing on camera sign this media release form
• Transfer your footage to your computer or device
• Watch your video back. Make sure it’s clear story. Remember, we're looking for GREAT b-roll. Does your video diary include it?
• Submit edited footage and DON'T delete your raw footage

This challenge does not have an active deadline to submit to PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs. However, students are encouraged to publish their stories on their school/club/program website or through video/social platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or Twitter and tag Student Reporting Labs. Check with your teacher to find out instructions for class submissions.

FACEBOOK: /STUDENTREPORTINGLABS

TWITTER: @REPORTINGLABS

INSTAGRAM: @STUDENTREPORTINGLABS

TIKTOK: @REPORTINGLABS