Section outline

  • Success Criteria

    Students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of a particular fad, the functions they served and why they were (are) attractive, by creating an infomercial. During Week 8 they will present their productions to the class.

    What is an Infomercial? It is a short video that is aired on TV and is used to sell a product. It is usually longer than a normal commercial and can be from one minute to half an hour long. Below is an example of some popular products that were sold as infomercials:

    If you are looking for a laugh, have a look at these 2 infomercials promoting what I consider to be ridiculous products:

    and The Hawaii Chair

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9_amg-Aos4

    Finally, the Flapaway!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7eHzIxT2K0


    Your infomercial should include:

    1. Why people should buy it – how is it going to make my life better or more exciting?

    2. It should be targeted to a specific age group. For instance, most elderly people are unlikely to buy roller skates or Pokemon Cards – but you could try to convince them to buy these products for their grandchildren.

    3. Length. Your Infomercial should be recorded and last from between 1 and 3 minutes. However, because you can work in groups of up to 4 – if you are in a pair it should be at least 2 minutes long. If a group of 3, it should be at least 3 minutes long; and finally if there are 4 in your group, it should be about 4 minutes long.

    4. Script. I suggest that students write out a script of your infomercial so you will know what to say. This will be especially important for those students working with other students in small groups. As you present your infomercial you can show pictures from a slide or hold up items in your hand to show the audience.

    Ms. Martin and Mr Bartholomew will judge the infomercials and award prizes to the top 5. This will happen during Week 8 when students are presenting to the class. Remember, these will not be live presentations – they will have been recorded ahead of time. They must be completed by Friday December 3 of Week 7.

    Have fun – be creative.

    Mr B.









    Alternative Project:


    *ONLY WITH PERMISSION OF THE TEACHER. Some students can do a poster instead, where you are trying to sell your fad product. Your Poster should include


    1. A picture of the item;


    2. Why we should buy it (how will it help me or make my life more exciting);


    3. What age group you are targeting: 12 and under; teenagers; adults;


    4. How much does it cost.


    5. Remember, you will present this in class – either recorded or live.


    Remember, you must get permission by your teacher to do the poster.