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Create an Animation

What?

Exploring local railway heritage through film

Learning aims

• Understanding the significance of inventors and inventions (film and train travel) and what impact modern inventions have on our world

Materials

• iPads loaded with Stop Motion Studio app (https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/stop-motion-studio/id441651297?mt=8)
• Ideally with a cover that can be used to stand iPad up vertically
• Chunks of plasticine, enough for each pupil to make a figure 4/5 inches tall
• A4 white paper or card with enough pens/pencils/felt tips for all
• Scissors
• Sheets of A3 if possible (or taped together A4)

Activity

Discuss the relationship between the history of the railway and the history of film.

• What makes heritage different to history?
• What impact did different inventions have?
• What was life like before trains, lights bulbs, telephones and photography?

Explain how early film cameras work, show examples of a zoetrope, and lead into basics of animation.

Making an Animation

• Short introduction to the basic functions of the Stop Motion Studio app.
• Make a plasticine model about 4 or 5 inches tall.
• Rehearse the movement of the character.
• Use the Stop Motion Studio to record the movement, make a small movement and take an image. You can review your progress as you go along.
• Record a commentary or some audio to accompany the film.
• Films can then be shared and reviewed.