Project 4.1.3 Aerospace Infomercial
Introduction
Have you ever seen an infomercial for exercise equipment, kitchen appliances, diet
plans or hair replacement therapy? The word infomercial is formed by combining the
words information and commercial. An infomercial generally combines information
about a product and a promotional commercial. An infomercial is often referred to as
paid programming. Infomercials can be viewed on television and through the
Internet.
Nike, Verizon, GM, Chrysler, and many other companies are adopting video
advertising and placing video ads in such places as You Tube. In fact it is estimated
that $3 billion was spent on online video advertising in 2009.
Once a concept or script is written for a film, commercial, or infomercial, the next
step is to create a storyboard. A storyboard visually tells a story panel by panel,
much like a comic book. A storyboard conveys the following information:
 What characters are in the frame and how are they moving?
 What, if anything, are the characters saying to each other?
 How much time has passed between the last frame of the storyboard and the
current one?
 Where is the camera in the scene? Close or far away? Is the camera moving?
In this project your team will create an infomercial to inform the audience about your
aerospace vehicle.
Equipment
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Gateway notebook
Pencil
Sketch paper
Storyboard forms
Video camcorder and blank video tapes or digital video clips
Camera tripod, external microphone, studio lights (optional), or computer
microphone
Computer with word processing software or presentation software
Video editing software (optional)
Model-making materials or 3D software to illustrate a futuristic aerospace
vehicle
Costumes, video set, sound effects CD (optional)
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Flight and Space Project 4.1.3 Aerospace Infomercial – Page 1
Procedure
You will use the information gathered in your research and your aerospace vehicle
video clip to produce an infomercial. You will complete Activity 4.1.2 Flying Machines
before starting this activity.
Your infomercial may be an Internet recording similar to what you might see on the
computer or a video similar to what you might see on television. The purpose of your
infomercial is to inform the audience about the advantages and characteristics of
your futuristic aerospace vehicle. The infomercial message must compare an
existing or historical aerospace vehicle with your idea of what might be possible in
the future. Video clips from Activity 4.1.2 should be used in the production of your
infomercial. Each team will show its completed infomercial to the entire class. It will
be evaluated by your peers. The infomercial must follow these basic guidelines:
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An Aerospace Infomercial Storyboard must be completed and reviewed by
your teacher.
The infomercial must be 2-3 minutes long.
The infomercial message must compare an existing or historical aerospace
vehicle with your idea of what might be possible in the future.
The information on existing or historical vehicles presented must be accurate.
The idea for a futuristic aerospace vehicle may be based on possible
advanced technology or science fiction.
The talent (i.e., individuals on camera) must follow the school dress code.
Language, gestures, and music must be school-appropriate.
Costumes can be worn with teacher approval (optional).
You and your team members will prepare the infomercial. The following steps will
help you create your infomercial:
1. Ask a team member to record ideas as you and your team brainstorm ideas for
the infomercial.
2. Work as a team to list the most important facts that you discovered during your
research. Answer the following questions as you collect your information:
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When was the aerospace vehicle invented?
Who invented it?
What is the vehicle’s history?
What was the vehicle’s purpose? Was it used to carry individuals or
equipment?
Did it fly successfully? If so, how long before it was operative?
What technology was necessary in order for this aerospace vehicle to be
functional?
What were some of the challenges the inventor faced while designing the
vehicle?
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Flight and Space Project 4.1.3 Aerospace Infomercial – Page 2
3. Decide on a format for the infomercial. You may copy the basic format of an
existing infomercial and replace the dialogue (i.e., what people say) with the facts
about your aerospace vehicle.
4. Use one of the facts to create a slogan that describes your aerospace vehicle.
Some slogans for existing products include:
 “It’s the real thing.”
 “Poppin’ fresh.”
5. Use the slogan two or three times in your infomercial.
6. Select another fact or combination of facts to create a jingle about your vehicle.
Jingles are short, catchy songs that promote a product (Optional: You may want
to ask your music teacher for help).
7. Evaluate the video clip recorded in Activity 4.1.2 Flying Machines.
8. Organize the facts, slogan, jingle, and video clip into a script for your infomercial.
Use a storyboard to organize the infomercial.
9. Rehearse (practice) your infomercial and adjust the content to a length of 2-3
minutes.
10. Record the infomercial.
11. Re-tape the infomercial as needed to make improvements.
12. Accurately label the tape to prevent other teams from accidentally recording over
your material.
13. Save the tape to show to the entire class. Prepare your journal and engineering
notebook entries for the final evaluation of your project.
Conclusion
1. What radio or television infomercials are most memorable to you? Explain why.
2. During the making of your infomercial, what information did you need to know
about your aerospace vehicle?
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PLTW Gateway – Flight and Space Project 4.1.3 Aerospace Infomercial – Page 3
3. If given a chance to re-create your infomercial, what would you do differently
during the research and flight tests of the vehicle in order to improve the
development of your infomercial?
4. Why do you think radio and television stations play so many infomercial
messages?
5. Why is it necessary to have a script before recording?
© 2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
PLTW Gateway – Flight and Space Project 4.1.3 Aerospace Infomercial – Page 4