https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwtpJ3T8eK4 I would have them watch this. Or you copy this in some way and say it to them. Then give them a camera. You need to have them shoot on a camera that can go full manual. What cameras are you using? Then have them watch it again and discuss what is going on. So. First they gain knowledge of basic camera functions and terms, dof, f-stop, iso, color temp etc. If the class is only about cinematography and not editing, will they know how to edit to do like a scene copy or short film/music video. You should have them do a scene copy of a visual scene with hardly any dialogue so they don't have to worry about audio. If it's not an audio class you should just stick to video because mixing audio in could take away from learning time with the camera. A music video is super great for this too. Also show films in class. I would show middle schoolers/early highschoolers. I could be so off here and they could think they suck and are boring but I think I could like watching them if the teacher was engaging about it in middle school. Badlands A few spielberg films Dead Poets Society Maybe a Wes Anderson film (Maybe) They may enjoy The Social Network (amazing cinematography) The tree of life(they probably would like it) Go over camera movement and composition and lighting in these films Talk about how to achieve different shots from the films. Jib Dolly Slider Steadicam Pan Tilt etc Show them a behind the scenes video. One where it may show that the film is actually just a set on a sound stage. the behind the scenes for any interior fincher shot will show that all the windows are green screened and everything is lit inside to look like exterior light coming through the windows. I don't thing many people understand that. This may open their eyes to the importance. Most of all, get them passionate, make it fun, don't show really old black and white films, even though they are great, they are not ready. Let them get hooked on what is great around them and then journey back and watch all they great old films with a better understanding. Focus first on camera and movement etc, then lighting second. NO AUDIO. If they can edit have them do a music video. And say there needs to be at least a certain amount of shots so they don't just stand in front of the camera and dance. But they could try to pull off a cool oner too. Good luck!