Tennessee River Rescue Youth Video Challenge

Challenge Overview

South Chickamauga watershed schools and clubs are invited to participate in this year’s Tennessee River Rescue by hosting a campus clean-up or joining the October 4th event. Students will create a 2-4 minute video showcasing their clean-up efforts and why keeping litter out of the Tennessee River and its tributaries is important.

 

All schools are in a watershed! Even if not near a river or stream, litter from school grounds can

travel to waterways. This makes it vital for students to understand the impact their actions have on the environment, even from a distance. By participating in the Tennessee River Rescue Youth Video Challenge, students can learn about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the role they play in preserving them.

Through this challenge, students have the chance to become advocates for their local environment. They can explore the ways in which litter travels through storm drains and waterways, eventually reaching larger bodies of water like the Tennessee River. This realization highlights the importance of reducing waste and being mindful of how everyday actions contribute to environmental health.

The video challenge offers a platform for students to express their creativity and voice their commitment to protecting natural resources. By crafting compelling narratives and visuals, they can inspire their peers, families, and communities to take part in conservation efforts. The experience gained from this project will not only enhance their understanding of environmental issues but also equip them with skills in communication and advocacy that are crucial for future endeavors.

Let’s empower students to make a difference and showcase their efforts in protecting our precious waterways. Together, we can foster a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who are passionate about creating a sustainable future. Groups are encouraged to watch the documentary ‘Hidden Rivers’ to inspire their storytelling and deepen their understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

Hidden Rivers

Ten years in the making, Hidden Rivers is Freshwaters Illustrated’s newest feature film that explores the rivers and streams of the Southern Appalachian region.

Freshwaters Illustrated

Immersive Environmental Educational Content For K-12 Classrooms

Immersive educational content on freshwater ecosystems and science for your K-12 classroom from Freshwaters Illustrated.

Freshwaters Illustrated

Prizes: One winning elementary, middle, and high school group will receive an Explorer Field Trip to

snorkel the Conasauga River and explore regional stream biodiversity.Participation in the challenge offers a unique opportunity for students to engage actively with their environment, learn about conservation, and make a tangible difference in their community. By documenting their clean-up activities, students not only contribute to the health of their local ecosystems but also develop valuable skills in storytelling, video production, and environmental science.

The challenge encourages creativity and thoughtfulness, asking participants to consider the broader implications of pollution and the importance of taking care of our natural resources. Through their videos, students can raise awareness and inspire others to join the effort to protect the Tennessee River and its tributaries.

We look forward to seeing the innovative and impactful projects that students will create, showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship and their passion for making a positive change in their world.

Video Challenge Rubric

CriteriaExcellent (4 pts)Good (3 pts)Fair (2 pts)Needs Improvement (1 pt)
1. Clean-Up Effort & ParticipationClearly shows active, engaged group clean-up. Strong participation with teamwork and enthusiasm.Shows group clean-up with moderate participation and teamwork.Clean-up effort is evident but limited participation or unclear teamwork.Clean-up effort minimally shown or unclear.
2. Understanding of Watersheds & Litter ImpactDemonstrates a deep understanding of watersheds, river systems, and the journey of litter. Connects campus to waterways.Shows general understanding of how litter impacts waterways. Some connection to campus.Basic understanding, with limited explanation of the impact.Little to no explanation of watershed connections or litter impact.
3. Storytelling & CreativityHighly engaging story. Creative use of visuals, narration, and/or interviews. Excellent flow.Clear story with some creative elements. Mostly engaging and well-organized.Story is somewhat clear but lacks flow or creative elements.Story is unclear, disorganized, or lacks engagement.
4. Use of the Documentary “Hidden Rivers”Strong, meaningful connection to themes from “Hidden Rivers.” Clearly used as inspiration and resource.Moderate connection to the documentary. References themes or ideas.Limited reference to the documentary or its themes.No evidence of using the documentary as inspiration.
5. Length & Technical QualityVideo is 2-4 minutes, good audio, steady visuals, and thoughtful editing.Video is within length, minor technical issues but understandable.Video slightly over/under time limit or has distracting technical issues.Video is too short/long and difficult to hear/see. Poor editing.

Scoring & Judging

Total Possible Points: 20

Scoring Tiers:

– 18-20 points: Outstanding

– 14-17 points: Commendable

Tennessee River Rescue Youth Video Challenge

– 10-13 points: Satisfactory

– Below 10 points: Needs Improvement

Judges will include educators, watershed specialists, and community volunteers.

Submission Guidelines

– Video Length: Minimum 2 minutes, Maximum 4 minutes

– Submission Deadline: [Insert Date]

– Submit via: [Insert Submission Platform/Contact Info]

– Must include: Group name, school, grade level, and teacher or advisor contact.

Optional Resources

– Documentary: ‘Hidden Rivers’ (teachers are encouraged to stream in class)

– Local watershed maps

– Tennessee River Rescue website and educational resources