News » Youth In-Focus: Take the Tour!

November was a happening month at Access Tucson for youth participation. Students from The Academy of Math and Science, Chaparral Middle School and City High all visited Access Tucson for a tour.

Academy of Math and Science

When students come to the studios we take the opportunity to talk to them about community media and what makes us different from commercial television. Lisa Horner, Director of Training, often asks students about their younger brothers and sisters and how they behave at the grocery store. “They’re crazy!” one student commented. “They want everything and scream!” Horner explained to them; “Sometimes it’s easier to see how influential commercials can be when you see young kids react that don’t know any better yet. Kids are willing to admit that there is an impact.”

Academy of Math and Science

As with like literacy, it’s important that young people can read, analyze and write in the medium of television. It changes their perception of television forever, once they have created it. As part of the tour, students plan and produce short programs in the studio–working both in front of and behind the cameras.

Chaparral Middle School

Here’s what students and teachers had to say about their experience:

Thanks so much for the opportunity- we had a great time, and are energized to do more at our school to present our ideas. We decided that it looks like it would be easy, until the camera is recording and suddenly everything is happening at once and there is no stopping- you just have to go on as best you can. Like life.

Mary Morris
Chaparral Middle School

Thanks for the opportunity of making a little film. It was very fun. I hope I can go again sometime.
– Joanna Z.

I thought the really fun part of it was to see what it’s like, behind the cameras.
– Zack T.

Follow the link for more information about Access Tucson Tours.

Chaparral Middle School