Commercially Speaking
Project Summary
This project originally took place between students in Oceanside, CA and students
in Urbana, IL. Students were most surprised to discover that the majority of products they
saw advertised were related to soap and cleaning products, followed by pet foods. The
southern California students saw many more commercials for sun tan products, while the
Illinois students saw pesticide commercials. Both groups of students enjoyed analyzing the
data as much as they did collecting it!
Suggested Grade Level and Audience
5th to 12th
Estimated Time Required
4 to 6 weeks
Student Learning Objectives
- To collect, compare, and contrast data
- To discuss the impact of television commercials on the way we think and act.
- To discover geographical similarities and differences
- To practice entering information into a data base
- To introduce the process of statistical data collection and analysis
- To reinforce word processing skills
- To communicate with a distant audience
- To engage in electronic transfer of information
Writing Prompt
Step 1
(Students, individually, in their own homes)
- Watch a minimum of one hour of television each day for the next five days
- Each time a commercial comes on, record the product that is being advertised
- Use the tally sheet provided
Step 2
(Whole class or cooperative groups)
- Combine findings into one data base
- Send results to partner classes from different geographic locations
- Compare, contrast, and analyze findings
Discussion Questions
- What products have the most advertisements? Why?
- Which products are advertised more in different geographic locations? Why?
- In what ways are people affected by television commercials?
- Why are commercials shown throughout the program, rather than altogether at the end?
- How much does whether you like a commercial or not influence your decision to purchase that product?
- What is the percentage of commercials for nutritious foods products, compared to "junk" foods?
Tally Sheet
Date _________ Watched TV from _________ to __________
Cleaning Products (glass/furniture/carpet cleaner, etc) _________________________
Soap Products (dish/laundry/hand/shower soap, etc) _________________________
Paper Goods (tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, etc) _________________________
Containment Goods (plastic bags, plastic/aluminum wrap, etc)_______________________
Pesticides (bug spray, plant spray, etc.) _________________________
Hair Products (shampoo, conditioner, mousse, etc.) _________________________
Personal Hygiene (toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, etc.) _________________________
Medication (cold/arthritis/allergy/sleeplessness/headache remedies etc.)________________
Toys and Video Games _________________________
Computers (hardware, software, etc) _________________________
Baby Products (diapers, lotions, etc.) _________________________
Clothing (jeans, clothing stores, shoes, etc) _________________________
Entertainment (movies, other TV programs, special events) _________________________
Dog Food _________________________
Cat Food _________________________
Help Groups (drug, alcohol, depression, overweight, etc) _________________________
Nutritious Foods (milk, eggs, meat, vegetables, bread, etc) _________________________
Junk Foods (chips, cookies, candy bars, etc)
Breakfast Cereal _________________________
Restaurants and Fast Food Places _________________________
Services (cable, phone, electric, mail, etc.) _________________________
Other? _________________________
