Movie bugs program

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 3hrs 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 the 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?  

Download the Movie Bugs script and storyboard template here

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 your 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 teams to record their stop motion animation. The completed digital product will be shared to school digitally.