BEFORE BEGINNING THE ANIMATION PROCESS , the 7th graders were shown some examples of stop-motion animation like Wallace and Gromit and Brickfilms . They were also introduced to Khan Academy ’ s Pixar in a Box , a series of videos that “ demonstrate how math , science , engineering , and the arts are a vital part of the magic and wonder of the Pixar filming process .” They used mini iPads to film their videos , using Stop Motion Studio , and edit them , using iMovie ( both apps are free in the App Store ).
concepts but they were responsible for conducting most of the research on their own as they drew their storyboards .
BEFORE BEGINNING THE ANIMATION PROCESS , the 7th graders were shown some examples of stop-motion animation like Wallace and Gromit and Brickfilms . They were also introduced to Khan Academy ’ s Pixar in a Box , a series of videos that “ demonstrate how math , science , engineering , and the arts are a vital part of the magic and wonder of the Pixar filming process .” They used mini iPads to film their videos , using Stop Motion Studio , and edit them , using iMovie ( both apps are free in the App Store ).
At the end of the project , we watched and critiqued the completed videos . Although the unit took a significant amount of time ( 7 weeks , with students working about 2¼ hours per week ), it received predominately positive feedback from both teachers and students .
As teachers , we appreciated the demonstration of creativity and independent thought that went into the project just as much as the understanding of science concepts and animation techniques . In written reflections , students stated :
STEAMed Magazine
8
January 2016 Edition