VidKids Program Components:

1) In-class activities and lessons: Video can be a highly technical, complex medium. But it does not have to be this way! VidKids seeks to help young people explore the medium through its five most basic elements: SIGHT, SOUND, MOTION, TIME, and SPACE. The lessons outlined here represent a progressive, multi-step approach to learning and using video. They are organized in three units.

2) Teacher Day Camps: Throughout the school year, UCR/CMP hosts monthly "Teacher Day Camps" as a part of the VidKids program. These "mini-labs" are informal gatherings where participating teachers can share ideas and experiences. What worked? What did not? How did one class accomplish a particular project? They also provide hands-on demonstrations of activities and lessons.

3) Class visit to the California Museum of Photography: VidKids participants enjoy a sponsored field trip to the UCR/California Museum of Photography. Here the students are introduced to historical and contemporary imaging technologies and can experience hands-on exhibitions about the science and sociology of light, motion, and images.

4) In-class artist's residency: Each of the four participating VidKids classes has the experience of working with an artist. The museum commissions several regional artists who have extensive experience working with children and video. The artists visit the classroom sites, and work with the students to create a class production.

5) CMP exhibitions: One of the most memorable and powerful experiences for VidKids participants is when they visit the museum and see their own work on display! UCR/CMP has designated a permanent gallery within the museum for this project, and is presenting exhibitions to showcase in-class activities. At the culmination of the school year, UCR/CMP hosts a special VidKids party where the students can share their accomplishments with friends, family members, and the larger public.