top of page
Video Editing Timeline

The History Documentary Curriculum

Essentials Course

Using history stories, this course will teach you how to research, write, and edit a compelling 2-3 minute video with images, onscreen text, narration, and music.

Over this 7 unit course, you will learn the basics of compelling narrative structure, as well as learn basic video editing techniques on an easy-to-learn video editor that will prepare you for professional editing software.

 

The History Documentary Curriculum

Along with the step by step story curriculum, each unit has an accompanying practical component that will lead you through everything you need to know to make your history documentary video.

This course was developed by writer, historian, and corporate media producer, Dana Rovang, PhD. It has been used in schools with kids from 4th-8th grades for the past three years, and now is being made available with an OH, Jr. subscription. Dana was assisted by her 7th grade son, Ronen, who helped develop the curriculum and content

 

Click on the Access Full Curriculum button above to gain access to the curriculum. 

Overview

Unit 1 — Overview

Unit 2 — Narrative Structure

Unit 3 — Ideation

Unit 4 — Research

Unit 5 — Script Writing

Unit 6 — Audio

Unit 7 — Video Editing

Learn the fundamentals of what makes a history documentary video.

To keep people watching, you need to be able to tell a good story. Learn the elements of crafting a compelling story for history documentary videos.

Your history can be about anything! If you don't have a good idea of what you want to do, use this Unit and template to identify and refine your idea. Even if you do know, this template can help you pinpoint your subject.

The best history narratives use primary facts and compelling original images to tell your story. People believe you when you use primary documents.

Write a script using your facts, images, and narrative structure. Learn pro-tips about how to keep your audience watching.

If you want to add narration or music to your history documentary, this unit will show you where to go to find music, and how to make audio recordings. You'll also learn more pro-tips about how to get the best quality.

Bring it all together in an easy-to-use, browser based video editor perfect for kids or first-time learners. Can be used on PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

ObscureHistories, Jr.

ObscureHistories, Jr.

Watch Now

Let's Get Social

OBSCURE HISTORIES, JR.

by Obscure Histories

dana at obscurehistories.com

©2025 by Obscure Histories, Jr. & Obscure Histories

OH, Jr. is the learning arm of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Obscure Histories

bottom of page