Virtual Reality and Animation
Virtual reality is a disruptive technology because our perspectives begin to shift when both the physical and digital world appear equally real. Thus, taking our senses and immerses us in the experience
Learn computer programming basics to create computer animations in Javascript and at the same time begin creating animations using Blender (if the school does not have a digital workstation with Blender installed here is how to download Blender on your personal computer. Do not try and download Blender on your Chromebook). It is possible to use Blender for 3D printing but not until you understand Blender backwards and forwards (stick to Tinkercad first).
12 Principles of Animation
A good starting point to learn animation includes the 12 Principles of Animation (The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston) developed by Disney in the 1930's. After you understand these 12 principles composition and color are important elements to consider.
As you develop objects you will likely want a place to store and categorize your objects as well as get new ideas. You might want to try Sketchtab. Look at Gobelin (animation company that focuses on short films) to understand some of the animation possibilities
Drawing, coloring and animating
How to automate things in Blender using Python. Also use Python for Lego Mindstorms in the Robotics section
Follow the step by step instructions to understand how to use Blender. Below are further details on the 12 Principles.
The 12 Principles And Blender
Squash and Stretch
Considered the most important of the principles because you see the illusion of weight, mass, flexibility and gravity.
Anticipation
Anticipation gives life to animated movements and makes a scene natural and realistic
Staging
Acting, timing, setting and cinematography is enhanced by controlling the attention of the viewer
Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose
Straight ahead involves creating frames which result in fluid and realistic movement.
Pose to pose is putting in extra work to improve frames at the beginning and end of an action
Follow Through and Overlapping Action
Follows the laws of physics. For example, forward momentum causes clothing or hair to move. Movement after the action adds realism.
Slow In and Out
Gradual changes of an object's speed creates realistic movements.
Arc
Living things moved in curved paths. Even an arrow shot in the air!
Secondary Action
Gestures that support the main action add depth and dimension to a character.
Timing
Timeline is where the action is set in every frame. Can make a scene more dramatic.
Exaggeration
Facial features, expressions, body movements or body type movements can create dramatic or comedic moments.
Solid Drawing
Techniques used to create three dimensional effects.
Appeal
Highlighting the most most defining feature of a character