Program overview
Science animated is a Stage 2 Science and Technology incursion that combines invertebrate fieldwork with stop-motion animation. Students collect and observe invertebrates, develop a script and storyboard, then create a 20-second stop-motion sequence and compile it in iMovie with titles and improved sound.
This program is also available for Stage 3.
Learning intentions
- We are learning to describe how invertebrates depend on their environment for survival.
- We are learning to make a stop-motion animation.
Essential information
Cost and details
Cost 2026 |
DoE $27 per student – GST free Non-gov $37 per student – GST free, min charge $750 per class |
Risk assessment |
Risk management plan |
Classes |
Maximum 3 classes per day with up to 32 students per class. |
School preparation |
This is a full day program. Schools to provide one extra large learning space, with a screen or projector, for all participating classes for the duration of the day. Place students into groups of two. If leaving school grounds, ensure teacher to student ratio of 1:15. |
Welfare |
For medical or special needs notify staff prior to program. |
Extreme or wet weather |
Program may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms. |
Booking policy |
Confirm student numbers and classes 7 days in advance. |
Cancellation fee |
Less than 30 working school days – $600 Less than 7 working school days notice – full cost Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0 |
Activities
Activities may vary depending on student needs, timing and weather.
Introduction
Students explore what an animation is and how stop motion is created. Through a short example and class discussion, students identify the steps for the day and connect the task to science learning about invertebrate features, habitats and ecosystem interactions.
Invertebrate investigation
In the school gardens, students work in pairs to safely search for and collect invertebrates from leaf litter and vegetation. Students discuss where animals are found and make responsible choices while using simple fieldwork equipment.
Back in the classroom, students use magnifiers and identification charts to observe external features and identify their invertebrates. Stage 3 students extend their observations by linking structural or behavioural features to survival and adaptation.
Animation workshop
Students compose a short factual script that describes their chosen invertebrate’s habitat and adaptations. Students then storyboard scenes to match each sentence so the visuals clearly support the information being communicated.
Students create durable plasticine models that represent the key features of their selected invertebrates and can be moved for animation. Students test models against success criteria, refining details and planning how movement will show behaviours and interactions.
Animating
Students use iPads, stands and iStopMotion to record narrated scenes, taking a sequence of in-focus images to match their storyboard.
Editing
Students export clips and edit their final animation in iMovie, adding titles or music as time allows, before a short movie premiere viewing.
Completed animations will be returned to school via Google Drive.
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| Session 1 |
Investigating invertebrates Developing a script, storyboard and props |
| Recess | |
| Session 2 | Creating an animation |
| Lunch | |
| Session 3 | Editing an animation |
Please include your school's bell times in the notes section of your booking form.
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary
Syllabus outcomes and content
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)
Physical and living systems depend on energy
Outcome
- Uses information to investigate the solar system and the effects of energy on living, physical and geological systems ST2-SCI-01
Content
Living things depend on energy and materials to survive
- Observe and describe living and non-living things in a habitat
- Describe ways in which plants and animals depend on each other for survival
Body systems work together to enable movement
- Recognise that all animals are either invertebrates with no spine, or vertebrates with a spine
- Compare ways invertebrates and vertebrates move on land, in water and in the sky
Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024
Learn with us
Book now
Book your primary incursion using our online booking form.
Learning resources
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