Using my iPad, Legos and iMotion, I created a mini stop motion movie because I had the time and resources to do so. I planned out scenes and carefully moved the Lego characters frame by frame. The iPad allowed me to capture hundreds of photos efficiently. This helped turn my ideas into a complete animated story.

During this process, I learned many things about how to use iMotion. I also learned different techniques on how to position the characters. I used play-doh to make it look like the person was moving in different ways. These techniques made the animation smoother and more realistic.

The 7 standards of the class are Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator. My project ties to Creative Communicator because I constructed a stop motion movie. The movie showed a form of misinformation because civilians thought the character was poor. In reality, the character was secretly wealthy and able to build a house.

A challenge I overcame on this project was starting late. Because of this, I had less time than planned. I was able to overcome this by changing colors we did not want to use. I also took about 200 pictures per day to stay on track.

Given a chance to do this again, I would change our start time. I would also plan the project earlier to avoid rushing. Starting earlier would help us stay caught up. We would also have more time to edit and revise the movie.

Hastings High School Career and Technical Education Program offers Agriculture, Business Management, Computer Programming, Construction Trades, Culinary Arts, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Design, Finance, Insurance, and Marketing. My project connects to the Engineering Design CTE program at Hastings High School. Engineering Design focuses on creativity and problem solving. My project used both of those skills through building and designing.

My project connects to careers in Mechanical design engineer because I used Legos to build structures and characters. I had to think about how parts fit and move together. This is similar to how engineers design mechanical systems. The project helped me understand basic engineering and design concepts.