Ring Lights and Different Types of Lighting: Lesson Plan 6

Support Materials
Lighting Strategies | Video Production: Behind the Scenes with the Pros
About
Students will learn about different types of lighting in filmmaking projects and what purposes they serve. They will also get a chance to experiment recording with a ring light at school.
Credits: Lesson plan created by Izzy Voltz, WQED
Standards
PA Academic Standards for Arts & Humanities
Strand 9.1 — Production, Performance & Exhibition of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
- 9.1.3.A / 9.1.5.A — Know and use the elements of art to produce images.
- 9.1.3.B / 9.1.5.B — Recognize and use fundamental art skills and techniques.
- 9.1.3.C / 9.1.5.C — Identify and use a variety of media and techniques to create works (drawing, sequential images = storyboards).
- 9.1.3.D / 9.1.5.D — Use tools and technologies in producing art (digital or paper storyboard creation).
- 9.1.3.E / 9.1.5.E — Demonstrate ability to create and communicate meaning through the arts.
- 9.1.3.F / 9.1.5.F — Demonstrate use of media arts processes (fits directly with planning a video/story through storyboards).
Strand 9.2 — Historical & Cultural Contexts
- 9.2.3.A / 9.2.5.A — Identify cultural and historical context of works in the arts.
- 9.2.3.C / 9.2.5.C — Recognize themes across stories and artworks.
Strand 9.3 — Critical Response
- 9.3.3.A / 9.3.5.A — Identify critical processes in responding to artwork.
- 9.3.3.B / 9.3.5.B — Describe and analyze qualities of artwork.
- 9.3.3.C / 9.3.5.C — Classify works by intended purpose (e.g., storyboard = planning tool).
Strand 9.4 — Aesthetic Response
- 9.4.3.A / 9.4.5.A — Identify aesthetic responses to the arts.
- 9.4.3.B / 9.4.5.B — Describe personal reactions to works and artistic choices.
Technology Education (3.6) — K–5
- 3.6.B — Information Technology
- Includes computers, software, digital tools, and how technology aids communication and design (e.g., digital storyboard tools).
- 3.6.C — Construction, Manufacturing & Transportation Technologies
- Basic understanding of how tools and systems are used to create and move things.
Technological Devices (3.7) — K–5
- 3.7.A — Tools & Instruments
- Identify, select, and use tools appropriately (e.g., storyboard templates, cameras/tablets for media arts).
- 3.7.B — Computer Operations & Software
- Understand how computers and digital devices are used to gather, store, and communicate information—highly relevant for storyboarding or media creation.
Science, Technology & Human Endeavors (3.8)
- 3.8.A — Constraints & Consequences
- Recognize how technology choices affect people and environments (relevant to media literacy and responsible creation).
- 3.8.C — Meeting Human Needs
- Understand how technology solves everyday problems—fits with digital storytelling tools.
PA Integrated Standards for Science, Environment, Ecology, Technology & Engineering (K–5)
- Promote inquiry, problem solving, critical thinking, and authentic exploration in technology use and creation.
- Emphasize relationships between humans, tools, and designed systems — relevant for media production and using digital tools to tell stories.
PA Core English Language Arts (PreK–5)
Standard 1: Foundational Skills
- Early literacy skills (phonics, print concepts, fluency) through Grade 5.
- Supports reading comprehension needed to analyze story structure.
Standard 2: Reading Informational Text
- Students read, understand, and respond to nonfiction.
- Supports understanding of storyboard instructions and informational video content.
Standard 3: Reading Literature
- Understanding characters, setting, plot, and sequence.
- Direct alignment with identifying story beats before planning a storyboard.
Standard 4: Writing
- Develop narrative, informative, and opinion writing.
- Essential for planning a story, writing storyboard captions, and sequencing events logically.
Standard 5: Speaking & Listening
- Supports peer discussion of storyboard choices and oral storytelling.
- Communication, collaboration, questioning, and presenting ideas.