Learning activities
Movie bugs is a literacy focused incursion program that engages students in stop motion animation projects using an iPad.
The program includes:
a hands-on investigation of the invertebrates found in your school
scripting, storyboard and prop development support
creation of a stop motion animation focused on the amazing features, habitats and life stages of a local invertebrate.
The Movie bugs program includes two school visits with Field of Mars teachers and approximately 3 hours of classroom time with the classroom teacher.
Field of Mars incursion - Day 1
Students are guided through a hands-on investigation to discover and describe the invertebrates found in the school playground. Scientific equipment is used to safely find and collect invertebrates for closer examination under microscopes and through digital display on a classroom smartboard. Students will examine the features, habitats and life cycles of some of these animals. Students will then be introduced to the steps required to prepare for 'animation day', the second Field of Mars incursion.
In the classroom
Students will spend time learning more about invertebrates, developing a script and storyboard and creating invertebate props in readiness for 'animation day'.
Research
Students select an invertebrate to be their 'movie bug', the star of their animation. Students research their features, behaviours, habitat and how they grow and change. The Field of Mars fact sheets provide information to support research.
Scripts and storyboards
Students develop a script using the scaffold provided on their chosen invertebrate. The script should include observations made during the hands-on invertebrate investigation and research.
The script includes details like: Name? What are its features? Where does it live? What does it eat? How does it grow and change?
Movie bugs script and storyboard template
Creating props
The main prop for the animation is an invertebrate made from materials such as clay or plasticine. Pipe cleaners or sticks can be used for legs and antennae.
Invertebrate props will be 'acting' outdoors. The props need to be no larger than the palm of a hand, moveable and robust enough to move through the environment. One main prop per student should be made with additional props such as eggs, webs and individual features made to support the script.
Field of Mars incursion - Day 2 - Animation day
Field of Mars teachers will provide animation equipment and support student teams to record their stop motion animation. The completed digital product will be shared to the school digitally.
