Make a 1-minute history video
Make a one minute history video about a local event or famous person: research facts, write a short script, film narration, and edit footage.
Step-by-step guide to make a one-minute history video
Evidence Reveals How the Pyramids Were Actually Built
Step 1
Pick one local event or one famous person you want to tell about.
Step 2
Look up 3 to 5 quick facts about your topic in a book or on a kid-safe website.
Step 3
Write the 3 to 5 facts as short bullet points in your notebook.
Step 4
Write a short script that turns those facts into a 60-second story with a clear opening line and a closing sentence.
Step 5
Count the words in your script or read it slowly while timing with a clock to make sure it fits one minute.
Step 6
Practice reading your script out loud until you can say it smoothly and clearly.
Step 7
Gather one simple prop or a costume piece that helps tell your story.
Step 8
Find a quiet well-lit spot and put your recording device on a steady surface or stand.
Step 9
Record two to three takes of your narration and pick the take you like best.
Step 10
Edit the best take to make the video one minute long and add a short title at the start and one credit line at the end.
Step 11
Watch the finished one-minute video once to check sound and picture are clear.
Step 12
Upload and share your finished one-minute history video on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
I don’t have a notebook, printer, or a phone stand—what can we use instead?
Use loose paper, index cards, or the Notes app for your bullet points and steady your recording device on a stack of books or a cereal box during the 'Find a quiet well-lit spot and put your recording device on a steady surface or stand' step.
What if my video ends up longer than one minute or the sound is too quiet?
Shorten the script by trimming bullet points before 'Write a short script,' count words or time read-aloud with a clock during the 'Count the words in your script' step, record in a quiet, well-lit spot close to the mic, and then trim to 60 seconds while you 'Edit the best take.'
How can we change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, have a parent help with the 'Look up 3 to 5 quick facts' step and limit to 1–2 facts with one practice take and a simple prop, while older kids can expand research, add images or music during editing, and tighten the script to hit exactly 60 seconds.
How can we make the one-minute history video more creative or personal?
Add photos, a map, or short B-roll clips and soft background music while you 'Edit the best take to make the video one minute long and add a short title at the start and one credit line at the end,' include a homemade costume piece gathered in the 'Gather one simple prop' step, or turn it into a mini-series about local events.
Watch videos on how to make a one-minute history video
How Did Ancient Egypt Build The Pyramids
4 Videos
How Did Ancient Egypt Build The Pyramids
How did they build the Great Pyramid of Giza? - Soraya Field Fiorio
How Were the Pyramids Built?
The Evolution of Ancient Egypt's Pyramids | Lost Treasures of Egypt
Facts about history and filmmaking for kids
⏱️ Most people speak about 120–150 words per minute, so a 60-second script is usually ~130 words.
🎙️ Clear narration matters most: recording close to a mic in a quiet room dramatically improves how professional your video sounds.
🏛️ Local libraries, historical societies, and old newspapers are treasure troves of photos and facts you can use (ask permission!).
🎬 Nanook of the North (1922) is often called the first feature-length documentary film.
🎞️ Videos under two minutes often keep higher viewer retention on social platforms.
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