Stop Motion Animation (on a budget)
Kia ora, fellow educators! It's Motivation Monday, and today we're diving into the exciting world of stop motion animation. Whether you're just curious about adding a dash of creativity to your classroom or looking for a fresh approach to teaching, I've got you covered.
What is Stop Motion Animation?
First things first, let's break it down. Stop motion animation is a captivating filmmaking technique where you bring inanimate objects or drawings to life, frame by frame. It's like making magic happen on screen!
Getting Started with iPads and iMovie
I teach in a fully-spec'd out Media studio, complete with green screens, and tonnes of tripods, iPads and macbooks. So for a while, I've been using iPads and iMovie to teach stop motion animation. It's user-friendly and perfect for beginners. If you're fortunate enough to have these resources then here's a quick overview:
1. Preparation: Gather your materials - iPads, objects to animate, and a tripod or stable surface to keep the camera steady.
2. Setting the Scene: Create your backdrop and arrange your objects. Make sure your lighting is consistent.
3. Capture Frames: Use the iPad's camera to capture a series of photos, making slight movements between each shot.
4. iMovie Magic: Import your photos into iMovie, adjust the frame duration, and add music or sound effects.
5. Share the Art: Showcase your masterpiece to the world, or in our case, your classroom!
The Google Slides Twist
The reality is that we don't all have the resources outlined above. So this is where I say...but wait, there's more! Recently, I stumbled upon a fantastic alternative - stop motion with Google Slides. It all started when I fell ill and had to set relief for my class. The students were going to be "adopted" for the day, which meant no usual animation tools. That's when I discovered a Google Applied Digital Skills lesson that blew my mind (see lesson here). Upon returning to my class, I decided to adapt the lesson, putting my own spin on it.
In this modified approach:
1. Slide by Slide Animation: Students use Google Slides to create their animations, adding images to each slide and making gradual changes.
2. Collaboration: Google Slides allows for seamless collaboration. Students can work together, even remotely, to craft amazing animations.
3. Creativity Unleashed: Some of the animations my students produced were nothing short of astounding. Google Slides proved to be a versatile and accessible tool.
Explore the Lesson Plan
I've shared the curriculum details of this exciting lesson plan above. You'll also find a stunning example of the final animation that I created myself using Google Slides, below. Plus, you can access the slide deck I use to guide my students through the process.
Why I Love Google
This experience reminded me why I'm such a fan of Google's suite of tools. They offer alternative ways to accomplish tasks that might otherwise require expensive equipment. It's a game-changer for educators on a budget.
So, there you have it! Whether you're an iPad aficionado or intrigued by the possibilities of Google Slides, you can dive into the world of stop motion animation with confidence. Get those creative gears turning and start animating your ideas. Happy animating, everyone!
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