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Building a NewsHour: Part 4

5 Activities

Grades 3 - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Overview

Welcome to PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL)’s Module, Building a NewsHour: Part 4

This Module from SRL takes youth through the all elements of building their own news hour. A follow-up to the From Concept to Screen Module, this six part Collection takes youth through the all the steps in creating a news hour to tell their stories.

This is Module 4 of 6 in the Building a NewsHour Collection series.

Continue Your Journey

1

Designing with Purpose

Students explore the fascinating world of spatial and visual design as it relates to journalism. They learn how set designers create compelling news station sets, focusing on the importance of visual elements, colors, props, and the arrangement of furniture

This is lesson 18 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
Designing with PurposeDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

2

On Location

Ready, set, scout! Students develop a list of considerations to utilize when selecting an on-location interview spot. They evaluate various spaces, determine their suitability for interviews, and then brainstorm relevant stories that could be captured in the space.

This is lesson 19 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
On LocationDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

3

Planning a Studio Set

Welcome to the creative world of set design for news shows! Students design an engaging and relevant interview set.

This is lesson 20 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
Planning a Studio SetDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

4

Controlling the Light

Imagine recording an interview outside. You can’t simply move the sun, but you can certainly manipulate it! Students learn how to build and use DIY reflectors to ensure natural, even lighting.

This is lesson 22 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
Controlling the LightDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

5

Interview Setup Evaluation Checklist

Picture this: You're setting up for an important interview. The ambiance, the lighting, the background - they all play pivotal roles. But how do you ensure your interview set is perfect for your journalistic masterpiece? That's where an Evaluation Checklist comes in! Students work in teams and as a class to craft an Evaluation Checklist.

This is lesson 23 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.
Interview Setup Evaluation ChecklistDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

Building a NewsHour: Part 4

Building a NewsHour: Part 4

Grades 3 - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Overview

Continue Your Journey

1

Designing with Purpose

Students explore the fascinating world of spatial and visual design as it relates to journalism. They learn how set designers create compelling news station sets, focusing on the importance of visual elements, colors, props, and the arrangement of furniture

This is lesson 18 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
Designing with PurposeDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

2

On Location

Ready, set, scout! Students develop a list of considerations to utilize when selecting an on-location interview spot. They evaluate various spaces, determine their suitability for interviews, and then brainstorm relevant stories that could be captured in the space.

This is lesson 19 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
On LocationDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

3

Planning a Studio Set

Welcome to the creative world of set design for news shows! Students design an engaging and relevant interview set.

This is lesson 20 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
Planning a Studio SetDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

4

Controlling the Light

Imagine recording an interview outside. You can’t simply move the sun, but you can certainly manipulate it! Students learn how to build and use DIY reflectors to ensure natural, even lighting.

This is lesson 22 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.
Controlling the LightDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

5

Interview Setup Evaluation Checklist

Picture this: You're setting up for an important interview. The ambiance, the lighting, the background - they all play pivotal roles. But how do you ensure your interview set is perfect for your journalistic masterpiece? That's where an Evaluation Checklist comes in! Students work in teams and as a class to craft an Evaluation Checklist.

This is lesson 23 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.
Interview Setup Evaluation ChecklistDigital Media and Communications, Literacy
45 MinutesGrades 3 - 5

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Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.

Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.