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integrated computational thinking

LA Practice C3: Create an interactive expository composition (Activity)

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Step 1 of 10: Introduction

Expository writing can take many forms, but for this project, you will focus on advancing an argument by creating a public service announcement on Scratch which you used previously. If you skipped the introductory building blocks on Scratch, now would be an ideal time to review Algorithms project 3-5. For this project, you can come up with a new PSA topic, but we encourage you to think of a mentor expository essay or student exemplar you already use in class to turn into a Scratch PSA. Having a clear sense of a thesis, evidence and analysis will support structuring your PSA's hook, message, and facts and allow you to focus on coding a public service announcement.

A public service announcement (PSA) is a short video or graphic meant to raise public awareness on an important issue or topic. PSAs can take many forms such as a poster, radio ad, TV commercial or in this case a Scratch project! Yet all strong PSAs follow the following rules of thumb:

  • Hook: Grab your audience's attention through comedy, shock, emotion or compelling data
  • Message: Make your message and any call to action clear and concise
  • Facts: Use humor, visuals or music to hook your audience but always research a topic first and present factual information
  • Short: To keep an audience's attention for more than 60-90 seconds might prove difficult, make important points but don't lallygag

If you'd like to read more about creating effective PSA, read PSA Research Centers' “Creative Considerations – 10 Helpful Tips” at CREATIVE PSA CONSIDERATIONS