Stage 3 students working in pairs on the Science animated incursion, using iPads and props to create a stop-motion animation in their school grounds

Science animated | Stage 3 Science and technology incursion

Program overview

Science animated is an incursion that combines literacy and science, allowing students to create a stop-motion animation using an iPad.

Learning intentions

Students carefully collecting invertebrates in school-ground habitats and recording observations about structural and behavioural features
Stage 3 students arranging plasticine models and moving them frame by frame to create a stop-motion animation scene

Activities

Invertebrate investigation

Students will work in groups of two collecting invertebrates from your school grounds.

Developing a script, storyboard and props.

Students will create a script and storyboard based on invertebrate observations, then make props using plasticine and other resources.

Creating an animation

Students will learn stop-motion animation using an iPad app, creating a 20-second animation with 180-220 frames. They will use the school grounds as a natural stage, utilising different areas for each scene.

Editing an animation

Students will use iMovie to compile their animations into one movie. They will add titles and learn how to improve sound.

Completed animations will be returned to school via Google drive.

This program is also available for Stage 2.

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.

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.

View

Adaptations student learning resource

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

Suggested timetable

Time

Activities

Session 1

Investigating invertebrates

Developing a script and storyboard, prop making

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, refine, communicate, interpret, collaborate, stop-motion animation, frames, script, scene, setting, camouflage, invertebrate, (structural/behavioural) adaptations

Syllabus outcomes and content

Science and Technology K-6 Syllabus (2024)

Knowledge of our world and beyond inspires sustainable solutions

Outcomes

  • Uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices ST3-SCI-01
  • Interprets data to support explanations and arguments ST3-DAT-01

Content

Living things may change over millions of years, in response to their environments

  • Observe behavioural and structural adaptations of plants and animals, and suggest how these may help them survive in their environments

Creating written texts in Science and Technology

Outcome

  • Creates written texts to communicate understanding of scientific and technological concepts and processes ST3-CWT-01

Content

Creating written explanations of concepts and processes supports understanding of Science and Technology

  • Use compound and complex sentences and labelled diagrams to create a text that explains a process, concept or investigation
  • Use notetaking, journalling, annotations and labelled images to create a multimodal text that documents the design processes involved in developing a solution

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

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 structural and behavioural adaptations

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.