Purpose Students to develop planning, organisation, and problem solving
skills. To enhance group dynamics and collaboration.
Students to develop competence in the use of digital camera,
file management, and software use.
Level Lower primary, upper primary
Essential learning
areas Language and Languages, Technology, The Arts
Essential skills
Communication, Problem-solving, Social and Co-operative
Strands
English
Oral language and visual language
Participants
Year 4 and 5 students, in groups of three
ICT PD facilitator
Description
Following background class work on animation which involved
looking at cartoons, flip books, claymation (for example, Wallace
and Gromitt, Chickenrun), and movement, students viewed and
discussed the techniques used to create animation. Hand drawn
cell animation, computer animation, and claymation were compared
and contrasted. How these techniques have changed over time
was discussed.
In groups of three, students created a storyboard for a 10
second animation. Students were asked to tell a short story
that contained action.
Props were created in the form of scenery or models. Plasticine
was used for the model making, and paper and card was used for
backgrounds. Lego and Mobilo were used to construct machines
and vehicles.
A suitable location was selected, then using the storyboard
and the props, students took the various photographs required
to create the animation. This location needs plenty of light
and area for movement around the "stage". (See "Animation
with a Digital Camera – hints, tips, and traps",
pdf, 76k)
Note: An AVI (Audio Video Interleaved) file is a sound and motion
picture file. AVI files end with an .avi extension.
Evaluation
Students developed ideas into a workable, planned animation. They
applied problem solving strategies and group decision-making strategies.
Students had to overcome a number of problems and reach compromises
when bringing their storyboards to life.
