The Viral Podcast
Project Goal + Timeline
In this project, we will be reviewing your knowledge on viruses through a podcast presentation. The podcast should last 30 minutes. This project should be completed within a group of two to four students in approximately three hours.
Directions
Part 1: Plan Your Podcast
You'll want your podcast to touch upon the following topics:
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a clear definition of what a virus is, including what it is composed of and why it is considered distinct from living organisms
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an explanation of how viruses were discovered and detected
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an explanation of how viruses interact with their hosts, including how they replicate
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an explanation of the differences between a DNA and RNA virus
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an exploration of the prevention and treatment of viral infections
Start brainstorming how you'd like to develop these topics—as a general presentation of information or through a discussion of a particular virus? Feel free to be creative! In the brainstorming process, make sure to develop a theme for your podcast. Ideas include developing the podcast as if giving a lecture or holding a class, conducting an interview, conducting a trivia or quiz-style game show, or solving a real-world mystery. You may choose to invite guests to speak on your podcast, or you may wish to consult subject matter experts to bring authority to the topics you cover.
After you've determined your theme and topics, develop a name for your podcast. A strong title will help your episode stand out and will attract the right audience. Then, write a brief sentence as the tagline to your episode. You'll want to grip and intrigue your listeners with your tagline, so make sure to plot your words out carefully. You may wish to add music to your podcast. If so, define the musical theme for your episode.
Part 2: Write Your Podcast
Write or sketch out your plan for you podcast. You can follow along with the given general structure or develop your own structure.
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Opening: Provide a quick musical jingle or a voiceover announcing the title of your podcast.
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Introduction: Give a brief monologue-style introduction outlining your hosts, guests (if any), and what you plan to talk about or do on your show.
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Transition: A transition may use music, podcast sound effects, or a vocal announcement, such as "We are going to move on and talk about…" or "In other news this week…"
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Topic 1: How you develop your topic(s) will depend on your theme. For example, if you are hosting a quiz show, the first segment in your podcast may be questions on your first topic. If you are presenting a lecture, your lecture will discuss the first topic.
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Transition
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Topic 2
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Transition
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Topic 3
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Transition
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Topic 4
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Closing remarks: Thank your listeners and your guests.
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Closing musical jingle
After scripting, make sure you have the equipment you need to record your podcast. You can use the recording option from your phone or computer. Now, it's time to record!
Part 3: Record Your Podcast
Using the script you've prepared, record your podcast with your classmates, following your intended theme. You may choose to record the entire podcast all at once or record different components of the podcast and combine them using audio editing software. After recording, make sure to share your podcast with your classmates and check out the ones they've prepared!
Project Materials
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Audio recorder
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Computer
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Optional: microphone