Stop Motion STEM Project: Simple Machines in Action!
📚 Objective:
Create a stop-motion animation that shows how a simple machine works in real life!
Choose a simple machine (lever, pulley, wheel & axle, inclined plane, screw, or wedge).
Plan a short animation to show how your simple machine helps make work easier.
Use stop-motion techniques to bring your machine to life!
Step 1: Choose Your Simple Machine
✅ Lever (seesaw, crowbar, catapult)
✅ Pulley (flagpole, well bucket)
✅ Wheel & Axle (car, windmill, gears)
✅ Inclined Plane (ramp, slide)
✅ Screw (jar lid, drill)
✅ Wedge (axe, doorstop)
Step 2: Plan Your Animation
Respond on your STEM Journal
📝 1. What is your machine? ________________________________
📝 2. What problem does it solve? __________________________
📝 3. How will your animation show it working?
✏️ Storyboard: Draw 4–5 key scenes of your animation. Label any important parts!
📌 Tip: Think about small movements between each frame for smooth animation!
🎭 Create your scene! Use LEGOs, clay, paper, or objects from class to make your simple machine.
📱 Set up your device! Use a tripod or keep your camera steady.
📸 1. Take photos in STOP Motion App: Move objects slightly each time before taking the next picture.
🎞 2. Play back your animation: Does it look smooth? Adjust as needed!
🎶 3. Add extras: Use text labels or sound effects to explain how your simple machine works.
How to Save and Share Your Stop Motion Video to a Computer
1. Open Stop Motion Studio App
Find your video in the list of projects.
Press and hold your video.
Tap Rename and give your project a name (e.g., “Pulley Project”).
Press and hold your renamed video again.
Then choose Save Video (this puts it into your Photos app).
Open the Photos app on your iPad.
Find your video (it should be the most recent one).
5. Share the Video to a Computer
Tap the box with the arrow (the Share button).
Look for your teacher’s or classroom computer name under AirDrop.
Tap it to send the video.
How to Save Your Video in iMovie
1. Open Your Project in iMovie
Make sure your video is fully edited and ready to be saved.
2. Click the Share Button
Look in the top right corner of iMovie.
Click the box with the arrow pointing up (the Share button).
A small menu will pop up.
Click on Export File (not YouTube, Email, etc.).
Type in a name for your video project (e.g., “Inclined Plane Animation”).
After naming your project, click the blue Next button.
6. Choose Where to Save It
In the “Where” dropdown, choose Desktop so it's easy to find.
How to Upload Your iMovie to the Class Google Folder
1. Open the Link to Your Class Folder
Your teacher will give you a link to your class’s Google Drive folder.
Click the link—it will open in your web browser.
2. Log In to Google (If Needed)
If you're not signed in, log into your Google account using your school email and password.
3. Find Your Movie on the Desktop
Minimize your browser so you can see your Desktop.
Find the file you saved from iMovie (look for the name you gave it!).
Click and drag your movie file from the desktop into the Google Drive folder in your browser.
Let go to drop it into the folder.
A progress bar will appear.
Wait until it says Upload complete before you close the browser.
Now that your Stop Motion video is done, it's time to reflect on your learning! Your STEM Journal is due today at the end of class!