Art and Animations Lesson: Stop Motion
Lesson Plan
1 hourGrades3, 4, 5Visual and Performing Arts
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Written by Monica Lilley
About this lesson
In this lesson, students watch videos and learn about photography to implement photography techniques in their stop motion projects.
Inquire: Students watch stop-motion animation videos about climate change to identify techniques.
Investigate: Students view photographs to learn about varying photography techniques to use in their stop motion projects.
Inspire: Students complete the Stop Motion Plan Review, adding photography techniques and other details to their plan.
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Suggestions
- The photography and stop motion video examples are related to climate change to spark intrigue and start discussions.
- In this lesson, students use the learned photography techniques to plan their stop motion animation. In Lesson 4, students will practice these techniques as they create their stop-motion animations.
- Teachers can invite amateur or professional photographers to demonstrate photography techniques.
- Teachers can invite local animation artists to share their experience and expertise.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 3 of 4 in our 3rd-5th grade Art and Animations unit.
- The teacher will need to organize worksheets for students.
- If students are working individually or in small groups for the Investigate section, the teacher will need to ensure that there are devices available.
- Teachers can prepare printed visuals that show “good vs. tricky” examples of angle, light, and layout, plus a simple checklist to reference during shooting. Students can use this checklist in the Inspire section with their animation planning.
Differentiation
- Student partners or groups could be chosen by the teacher to ensure good academic, social, and experiential balance.
- Teachers can provide pre-made sets of 3 characters or objects, or show how to turn on the grid feature in the camera app for students to place the most important object where two lines cross.
- Teachers can provide a stand or taped-down device position so students can practice and view adjusting angles.
- Students could explore the Investigate section in groups instead of having the teacher lead the discussion. The whole class could come back together to discuss their new knowledge after the groups are finished.
From the scientist review
This lesson focuses on photographic stop motion animation techniques. Climate change can be a part of this lesson. All materials used in the lesson have been verified and are suitable for teaching. In this light, this lesson is credible and recommended for the classroom.
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