Science animated program

Learning activities

Science animated is a literacy and science focused incursion program that engages students in the creation of a stop motion animation communication product using an iPad.

• How are environments and living things interdependent?

Students will work in groups of two to search for and collect leaf litter or arboreal invertebrates in the gardens and trees found in the school or local area using equipment provided by Field of Mars teachers. 

Developing a script, storyboard and props

Students will develop a script in the form of a simple information report. The script will be based on observations of students' invertebrates as well as research using a variety of multimodal texts.

Once the script is complete students will begin to visualise what their final animation will look like. This involves creating a storyboard that provides an outline/sketch of the types of scenes that will be used to create the animation. A good storyboard simplifies the animation process and ensures students know what is required in each scene.

The script and storyboard will help determine what types of props the students need to create their animation. The main prop for the animationwill be an invertebrate. This will be made out of modelling clay, drawn or a photograph. Field of Mars teachers will provide clay and other resources for props.

The props that will be moved will be around the size of a student's thumb. Only one or two moveable objects will be used in the animation.

Creating an animation

The focus of the middle session is to provide students with an opportunity to engage with and creatively explore stop motion animation.

At the start of the session Field of Mars teachers will demonstrate to students how to use the app iStopmotion to create an animation with the assistance of the script, storyboard and props.

A quality animation usually contains 10 pictures per second of film. For a 20 second animation students will need between 180 to 220 frames of animation. To speed up the process a minimum of 5 pictures per second may be used.

Traditionally animations are created by building a small stage indoors. The students will utilise the school grounds for creating the animation. Students will use different natural areas for each scene. In the event of poor weather the 'stage' will move indoors and utilise tote trays to create a stage with natural materials.

Editing an animation

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

Animation theatre

Students will be invited to present their animation on the ‘big screen’ during this session to showcase their efforts to their class. 

Animations will be saved and provided to the school for further viewing.