stop motion animation

Work in groups of 3

Analyze the concepts of force and motion in simple machines. Reference the Force and Motion of Simple Machines resource and the Parts of a Simple Machine resource. Discuss how visual art and animation can be utilized to support the understanding of these concepts.

Select a simple machine for an animation that demonstrates force and motion. Sketch a plan using the Stop-Motion Animation Storyboard resource or a sketchbook. Create the simple machine using a variety of materials and the whiteboard as a base.

Arrange the whiteboard and parts of the simple machine under the phone. Reference the first frame of the Stop-Motion Animation Storyboard from Step 2. Take a photo.

Continue to follow the storyboard plan. For example, show gravity as an object falls from a platform. Take photos as the object falls to the bottom of the frame to illustrate the concept of gravity.

Add motion lines to give the object the illusion of movement. Create the effect of faster speeds with longer lines and slower speeds with shorter lines.

Create the illusion of the machine moving by erasing and redrawing portions on the whiteboard. Observe the example: A straight line tips as the object's force hits it. This illusion is created by erasing and redrawing the line.

Create the visual effects. Design a bridge for the round object to go under, creating the appearance that it's going through an obstacle.

Continue moving the round object across the frame. Take photos between every move until the round object is out of the frame. Watch the animation. Determine what changes, if any, are needed to show the force and motion of the simple machine.

Reflect on the creative process and final animation by responding to the Creative Process Reflection assessment. Determine if the animation was successful in illustrating the chosen machine and concepts of force and motion. Discuss with a peer: How did working through the animation process affect your understanding of simple machines?