Assignment

(1) Stop-Motion Animation Creation - Create a narrated and annotated stop-motion video of an important physical or biological process.

(2) Reflections on use in the classroom - Describe how this activity was employed and its effectiveness.  

Creating a Stop-Motion Animation

Stop-motion photography is a fantastic tool for teaching scientific processes in a visually engaging and accessible way. It allows you to break down complex concepts into smaller, easy-to-understand steps, capturing each step in a series of still images. When these images are played in sequence, it creates the illusion of movement, enabling students to see the process in action and comprehend it more effectively. Here's how you can use stop-motion photography to teach a scientific process:

• Choose a Suitable Process: Identify a scientific process that you want to teach your students. It could be anything from a biological process like cell division to a chemical reaction or a physical process like the water cycle.

• Plan Your Storyboard: Before you start shooting, create a storyboard. This is a visual outline of your stop-motion animation, indicating each step of the process you want to capture. Plan the sequence of events and how you will represent them with objects or drawings.

• Gather Materials: Depending on your process, gather the necessary materials and props needed for your stop-motion animation. These could be physical objects, drawings on paper, or even digital illustrations.

• Set Up the Scene: Arrange the materials on a stable surface, such as a table, and ensure the lighting is consistent. Consider using a tripod for your camera or smartphone to keep it steady throughout the shooting process.

• Take Still Images: Start capturing the images one by one. Move the objects or drawings slightly between each shot to represent the progression of the process. Use a remote shutter release or the timer function to prevent camera shake.

• Edit and Compile: Transfer the images to your computer and use video editing software to compile them into a stop-motion animation. Many video editing tools allow you to adjust the duration of each frame, add captions or labels, and include background music or narration if desired.

• Add Explanatory Text: Insert text or voiceover to explain each step of the scientific process as the animation plays. Use clear and concise language to ensure your audience understands the concepts.

• Present and Discuss: Once your stop-motion animation is complete, present it to your students. Pause at different stages and explain the relevant scientific principles. Encourage questions and discussions to deepen their understanding.

Advantages of using stop-motion photography for teaching scientific processes:

• Visual Engagement: Stop-motion animations are visually appealing and can capture students' attention effectively, making the learning process more engaging.

• Step-by-Step Clarity: The incremental nature of stop-motion allows students to see each step of the process distinctly, helping them comprehend complex concepts in a clear and organized manner.

• Repetition and Review: Students can replay the animation as many times as needed, enabling them to review the process at their own pace and reinforcing their learning.

• Creative Expression: Creating stop-motion animations also encourages creativity in students as they explore ways to visually represent scientific processes.

• Memorability: The unique and interactive nature of stop-motion makes it easier for students to remember the steps and key concepts, leading to better retention of knowledge.

By using stop-motion photography as a teaching tool, you can enhance students' understanding and appreciation of scientific processes while fostering their creativity and critical thinking skills.

• Purchase a cell-phone document camera like the one shown, or a cell phone tripod

• Download a stop motion App

• Construct a stop-motion movie to tell a science story.  

• Label the video with topic and your name in this fashion:  Topic (Name).

• Upload your video to the the appropriate folder. 

• Also upload it into your Youtube account.

• Examples of ideas to make stop motion video.