Introducing young students to Wayne and Garth, the iconic main characters from the 90s American comedy television skit, “Wayne’s World,” can offer a fun and engaging way to explore 90s pop culture. This article will provide a lesson plan and strategies for teaching students about Wayne and Garth, and how we can use their unlikely stardom to dissect the media landscape of that time.
Background Information
Before diving into the activities, it’s essential to provide students with some background information. “Wayne’s World” originated as a popular recurring skit on the live television comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), in the late 80s and early 90s. The two main characters, Wayne Campbell (played by Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (played by Dana Carvey), host a public-access television cable show set in their basement.
The show is famous for its catchphrases like “Party on!” and “Schwing!” Moreover, two successful “Wayne’s World” movies were made in the early 90s, turning Wayne and Garth into cult figures. Even today, these characters remain relevant as symbols of DIY media production before the age of YouTube and demonstrate how comedy and uniqueness drove successful homegrown entertainment.
Lesson Plan
1. Introduction: Show a brief video or conversation of Wayne and Garth interacting on their show. Discuss what made these characters resonate with audiences during that time. Explain key phrases that defined their personas.
2. Pop Culture Analysis: Analyze the costumes of Wayne and Garth – why did their signature looks become so identifiable? Discuss other elements that contributed to their fame (music taste, quotes, humor style).
3. Media Landscape Comparison: Compare television programming in the 90s (such as MTV) with present-day YouTube. Discuss how “Wayne’s World” might have fared in a modern context.
4. Group Activity: Divide students into groups and have them create their version of “Wayne’s World,” using their own unique style and catchphrases. Present these projects to the class.
5. Film Viewing: If time permits, watch the first “Wayne’s World” movie or snippets from both the film and TV show. Discuss the parody of corporate sponsorship, celebrity guests, and satire present in the movies.
6. Reflection and Discussion: What lessons can be learned from Wayne and Garth? What impact did they have on popular culture? How have media platforms evolved since their inception?
Incorporating Wayne and Garth into your teaching can spark an exciting exploration of 90s pop culture while demonstrating how humor, creativity, and a unique perspective can influence media success. Through this lesson plan, students will learn about the role of satire, DIY ethos, and entertainment in shaping cultural trends while developing their creative expression.
