Make a History Doc
Make a 2-3 minute History Documentary
Essentials Workbook
Using history stories, this workbook walks you through how to research, write, and edit a compelling 2-3 minute video with images, onscreen text, narration, and music.
Over 7 sections, you will learn the basics of compelling narrative structure, as well as learn basic video editing techniques on an easy-to-learn video editor that will prepare you for professional editing software.
Showing, not telling, this 113 page workbook is in presentation format. Activities and templates are also included.
Make a bigger
History Documentary
Full Workbook - HS & Adult
This is the complete History Documentary workbook, with detailed sections on all the things you should know about researching, writing, and editing your history documentary.
Showing, not telling, this 157 page workbook is in presentation format.
This workbook includes: the
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Complete 7 sections
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Activities
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Forms (permissions, shot logs, etc.)
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Templates (ideation, visual script)
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A printable production handbook for when you're onsite.
Educator Feedback
The Obscure Histories, Jr. curriculum was easy to follow and adapt to our needs within the classroom.
It provided clear steps about the process of creating a documentary and hands on activities for students to practice real world applicable skills.
—Ms. Fox, Principal
The History Documentary Workbooks
Each unit has an accompanying practical component that will lead you through everything you need to know to make your history documentary video. The Practical workbook is sold separately, but you can access it on our YouTube channel.
This course was developed by writer, historian, and corporate media producer, Dana Rovang, PhD. It has been used in schools with kids from 4th-8th grades for the past three year. Dana was assisted by her 7th grade son, Ronen Rovang Cornell, who helped develop the content
The Full Workbook file includes forms, activities, templates, and a production handbook.
Overview | both workbooks have the same structure
Unit 1 — Overview
Unit 2 — Narrative Structure
Unit 3 — Ideation
Unit 4 — Research
Unit 5 — Script Writing
Unit 6 — Audio
Unit 7 — Video Editing
Learn the fundamentals of what makes a history documentary video.
To keep people watching, you need to be able to tell a good story. Learn the elements of crafting a compelling story for history documentary videos.
Your history can be about anything! If you don't have a good idea of what you want to do, use this Unit and template to identify and refine your idea. Even if you do know, this template can help you pinpoint your subject.
The best history narratives use primary facts and compelling original images to tell your story. People believe you when you use primary documents.
Write a script using your facts, images, and narrative structure. Learn pro-tips about how to keep your audience watching.
If you want to add narration or music to your history documentary, this unit will show you where to go to find music, and how to make audio recordings. You'll also learn more pro-tips about how to get the best quality.
Bring it all together in an easy-to-use, browser based video editor perfect for kids or first-time learners. Can be used on PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
ObscureHistories, Jr.
