The group enjoyed lunch outside on their field trip between their school and the John C. Fremont historical marker south of the Bagby Recreational Area.
Greeley Hill Elementary School is working on a film about the Merced River Watershed.
On March 4, five students from teacher Bob Moffitt’s 6-8 class shot footage for the project along Highway 49 between their school and the John C. Fremont historical marker south of the Bagby Recreational Area.
Moffitt said the field trip is a great opportunity.
“This is a great chance to get out into the real world and show kids how their creativity and communication skills can be put to good use. I am grateful the Merced River Watershed Council invited us to participate in their film contest.”
Beau Franklin is in sixth grade and says it was good to get out into nature, but it was also a time for learning.
“I enjoyed the hiking. I learned more about rocks. I (also) got better at filming,” he said.
Mirah Kudrna is a seventh grader and new to the school. She says she enjoyed the experience.
“I got to go in the hills and have fun. I twisted my ankle but it was worth it,” she said.
Si Higgins is shown filming near the Bagby Recreation Area last week. Submitted photos
Students have been researching the watershed and writing scripts for their parts in the film.
Moffitt said they obtained about 30 usable video clips and a lot that students will have to use technology to make the others usable.
“We have tons of very short, very shaky video clips, but they have solid content. We will have to use the computer to make stills and use the editing platform we have to create the gentle movement required to keep the film moving,” Moffit said.
The Merced River Watershed Council sent out invitations in January for the “Students on the River” contest.
Winning films earn cash prizes and will be premiered April 18 at The Grove House in Mariposa.
The students also produce a weekly school broadcast program called Mountain Lion News.
Students write, film and interview other students and guests who visit campus. They also appear on camera.
Moffitt explained that the ongoing project fulfills a host of California State Standards requirements.
Mirah Kudrna is pictured adjusting her camera.
“It is nice to be able to use my previous career experience to help them with their learning,” he said.
Moffitt is semi-retired from a 30-year career in broadcasting on radio and television, but still publishes three websites with two podcasts.
He is also working on a documentary film he hopes to finish shooting this spring.
For more information on the Students on the River Film Contest, visit www.merced-river.org/filmcontest
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