In this lesson, students will develop a deep understanding of a selected science concept.
They will creatively apply their understanding by developing a stop motion animation that models their chosen concept and enhance their technical skills in creating stop motion animations. Finally students will improve their communication skills through presenting and explaining their projects.
To teach this lesson you will need devices for the students to use to capture the images and an editing program. There are apps such as Stop Motion Studio that make the process seamless by combining the capturing with the editing. If funds are needed to get devices and the app or editing program, consider applying for a classroom grant from the STEM Action Center. See the attached lesson documents for how this lesson would be done in a classroom. Two documents are gears towards lower grades, 3rd-5th, and the 3rd lesson document is gears towards grades 6 and up.
Materials Needed:
For Research and Planning
- Access to Internet: For researching ecosystems, species, and ecological concepts.
- Notebooks or Digital Devices: For taking notes during research.
- Storyboard Templates: Printed templates or digital storyboard software for planning the animation sequence.
For Model Creation:
- Modeling Clay or figures
- Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Markers, Colored Pencils, and Paints
- Pipe Cleaners, Fabric, and Yarn:
- Toothpicks and Popsicle Sticks
- Glue and Tape
- Recycled Materials: Cardboard, plastic lids, bottle caps, etc.
For Animation Capture and Editing:
- Digital Devices (Tablets or Smartphones): With a camera and stop motion app installed (e.g., Stop Motion Studio).
- Tripods or Stands: To stabilize devices during filming. ( We used cheap metal bookstands to hold the iPad with iPad facing slightly down.)
- Computer with Editing Software: For compiling frames, adding voiceovers, annotations, or background music if necessary.
- Lighting equipment (optional)
