Stage 2 students developing a script, storyboard and plasticine props based on their invertebrate observations before filming

Science animated incursion | Stage 2 Science and Technology | Field of Mars EEC

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

Students carefully collecting invertebrates from school-ground habitats and observing their external features and movements
Stage 2 students working in pairs on the Science animated incursion, using an iPad and props to create a stop-motion animation in their school grounds

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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

explain, sequence, plan, create, refine, collaborate, communicate, stop-motion animation, frames, invertebrate, external features, habitat, camouflage, storyboard, setting

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

"I loved the combination of fieldwork combined with the model making and technology."

Learn with us

Book now button linking to Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre Science animated incursion bookings

Book now

Book your primary incursion using our online booking form.

Learning resources tile linking to the Adaptations student learning resource that supports the Science animated incursion

Learning resources

View online lessons that support primary incursion and excursion programs.

Flora and fauna fact sheets tile for native invertebrates, plants and habitats that support learning about adaptations and ecosystems

Flora and fauna fact sheets

View our curriculum-aligned fact sheets on Australian animals, plants, ecosystems and environments for NSW primary and secondary students, ideal for research, projects and classroom learning.