Location | Your school |
Cost | 2023 DoE $24 per student - GST free 2023 Non-gov school cost $34 per student - GST free, minimum charge $600 Cost includes two school visits by Field of Mars teachers and program resources. |
Risk assessment | |
School preparation | It is recommended schools provide one learning space, with an IWB, for all participating classes for the duration of the day. Students will need to complete the essential class lessons and create a script, storyboard and movie bug prop before the second visit. |
Bring | Students wear hats, sports uniform and reusable name tag, mask (if required). |
Supporting resources | Script and storyboard template Invertebrate Explorer - available free from Apple Books |
Parent/carer helpers | Day 1 - optional one to two parents per class Day 2 - recommended two to three parents per class No siblings |
Medical or special needs | Notify Field of Mars staff prior to incursion. Students, staff and visitors must not attend if unwell, even with mild symptoms. |
Extreme or wet weather | Days predicted to be above 35ºC, high winds, extreme bush fire danger and dust storms may result in the incursion being modified, postponed or cancelled. |
Cancellations | Cancellations with less than three school weeks' notice will incur a $500 administration fee. This does not apply to cancellations due to weather, fire danger or COVID-19 restrictions. |
Time |
Activity |
Morning session | Group 1 (maximum 2 classes) Day 1 - Invertebrate investigations Day 2 - Stop motion animation |
Middle session | Group 2 (maximum 2 classes) Day 1 - Invertebrate investigations Day 2 - Stop motion animation |
Afternoon session | Group 3 (maximum 2 classes) Day 1 - Invertebrate investigations Day 2 - Stop motion animation |
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.
Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2006)
VAS1.1 Makes artworks in a particular way about experiences of real and imaginary things.
Science and Technology K-10 Syllabus (2017)
Outcomes
A student:
observes, questions and collects data to communicate and compare ideas ST1-1WS-S
Working scientifically
explore and answer questions through participation in guided scientific investigations (ACSIS025, ACSIS038)
compare observations with those of others (ACSIS041, ACSIS213)
make safe choices when using materials and equipment
Content
Students:
describe the external features of a variety of living things (ACSSU017)
identify that living things live in different places that suit their needs (ACSSU211)
Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2006
address
Field of Mars Reserve
Pittwater Road
East Ryde NSW 2112
telephone 02 9816 1298
We’d like to acknowledge the Wallumedegal Peoples of the Darug Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
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