Minds On
Public service announcements
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
In today's lesson we will explore public service announcements, which are often called PSAs. Based on the name, what do you think is the purpose of a public service announcement?
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
To begin our exploration, let’s learn about how to wash our hands with the Odd Squad from TVO Kids.
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
What makes this video from the Odd Squad a PSA?
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Action
Who uses public service announcements?
Governments or other organizations sometimes produce public service announcements (PSAs). Companies pay media stations to have their commercial ads played. However, public service announcements are broadcast without a fee.
PSAs are produced and broadcast to inform the public. PSAs can advise people to:
- follow health and safety protocols and procedures
- raise awareness for a cause
PSAs in a video format are usually short and similar in length to a commercial. What do you think are the differences in purpose between commercials and PSAs?
PSAs can also be in the form of a flyer, brochure, poster, or radio segment. They can also appear at the beginning or end of television programs.
Elements of a PSA
Let’s return to the Odd Squad to learn more about common features of PSAs. We explored the first video about hand washing in the Minds On. The second video is about how to stay safe and avoid germs.
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
What kind of information was presented in the two PSA videos?
Was the information similar or different?
How did the presenter share the information? Was there a certain order or sequence?
What were some of the common features that you noticed in the PSAs?
Use the Features of a PSA fillable organizer or another method of your choice to record your examples from Odd Squad of the features of a PSA.
| Examples from Odd Squad | Features of PSAs |
|---|---|
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access the Features of a PSA.
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
Who do you believe is the target audience for these PSAs? If possible, share your thinking with a partner. What elements of the Odd Squad PSAs help you identify the target audience?
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Consolidation
PSA for school
Test Your Skills!
Test your skills
It's your turn to create a public service announcement! Consider the target audience and how you wish to create your PSA. Choose one of the following topics:
- how to wash your hands
- hallway safety
- how to dispose waste at school: recycle, compost, and garbage
- a topic of your choice
Plan
First you will plan your PSA. What information will you include? What is the appropriate media form for your audience?
What elements will you use for the PSA?
Consider how you would like to design your PSA.
- use images or illustrations
- use text
- create a description or demonstration
- record an audio clip or a video
- create poster or a digital flyer
Once you have decided the audience, information, and form, it's time to create your PSA!
Reflection
Consider the following questions:
- What have you learned about public service announcements?
- How did you decide which form to use and which information to include for your target audience?
Reflection
As you read through these descriptions, which sentence best describes how you are feeling about your understanding of this learning activity? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel...
Now, record your ideas using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.