In this MediaLit Moment, students have an opportunity to work in teams to explore representations of men and women, and to construct their own depiction of their findings.

Ask students to construct a collage of images that represent men (or women) and to share their findings.

AHA!: The common images that we see of men and women are dramatically different for each sex.

Grade Level: 5-8+

Key Question #4: (Deconstruction) What values, lifestyles and points of view are represented in or omitted form this message?
Key Question #4: (Construction) Have I clearly and consistently framed values, lifestyles and points of view in my content?
Core Concept #4: Media have embedded values and points of view.

Key Question #5: (Deconstruction) Why is this message being sent?
Key Question #5: (Construction) Have I communicated my purpose effectively?
Core Concept #5: Most media messages are organized to gain profit and/or power.

Materials: Use about 5 magazines for each group of up to 5 students; color markers or pens, tape or glue; scissors, poster board OR use the GlogsterEDU program using computers with high-speed internet connection, LCD projector and screen.

Activity: Divide students into groups of up to 5 and assign each group to address “how men are depicted” or “how women are depicted”; provide materials and instruct them to construct a collage that reflects images of how men/women are depicted in media.  Students have free reign over their creations – they can show pictures, cartoons, writings, headlines – whatever they find; they will undoubtedly see that they will develop a point of view amongst the group.

After the students complete their collages, ask them to present their findings and to discuss.  Ask students if they were surprised by any of the information depicted – and if so, how?  Did they feel the images they found were “real?”  Discuss the sources of information/pictures that they identified and how the source may have influenced the type of depictions. Then, ask students to deconstruct their media products (the collages) using close analysis techniques and Questions/TIPS.

The Five Core Concepts and Five Key Questions of media literacy were developed as part of the Center for Media Literacy’s MediaLit Kit™ and Questions/TIPS (Q/TIPS)™ framework.  Used with permission, ©2002-2015.