Tech+Enhanced+Learning+Episode

=Claymation    =


 * Abstract:** Students will work in groups of 5 to create a small claymation set. Each set will consist of three characters made out of clay, as well as five props (mixed media) and a painted backdrop. Students will then use a digital camera to take photos that they will play in sequence through iPhoto in order to create a fifteen second stop frame animated video.


 * Learning Target:** 1) Students will develop an understanding of the elements of an effective animation set. 2) Students will learn concepts of scale as the different elements of their set interact to create a foreground, middle ground, and background. 3) Students will learn how to use light properly to enhance their films. 4) Students will learn how to take sequential photos with a digital camera and then enter these photos into iPhoto in order to create a stop frame animated video. 5) Through combining film, iPhoto, lighting and clay, students will learn how different artistic mediums can interact. In doing this their understanding of each medium will be stretched.


 * Context:** Middle/High School Ceramics.


 * The Learning Episode**

Students will begin by creating three different characters out of clay. These characters must be constructed in a manner that will allow them to be freestanding. Also, students must be able to manipulate the characters in a manner that creates the illusion of motion. Finally Characters must be created with detailed features that are large enough to show up in digital photographs.
 * Step One: The Characters**

Students will create a set in which their animated film will take place. This set must have five different props. These props can be made out of anything, including found objects, but careful consideration must be given to scale. The set must have a foreground, middle ground, and background.
 * Step Two: The Set**

Students will become familiar with how to use a digital camera. Before they start manipulating their characters, they will experiment with how to best capture their set on film. In doing this they must consider frame size, lighting, angel, and camera setting.
 * Step Three: The Camera**

Students will learn how to manipulate their clay figures in a manner that creates the illusion of smooth, realistic motion when captured in individual frames on their digital camera. They will also experiment with the effects different light sources can create, and how different props can be used to manipulate the scale of their figures. Films must be fifteen seconds or longer. Students will then enter their photos into iPhoto where they will play them in sequence. Students with then edit out and add photos until they are content with the motion of their characters.
 * Step Four: The Film**


 * Connection To Learning Model**

Through the use of technology, students will have new experiences with the medium of clay that moves away from a focus on final finished 3D object. Integrating technology will also allow the lesson to touch upon multiple different learning styles. Kinesthetic: Students will create and directly manipulate their scenes. Interpersonal: In groups of five, students will collaborate while planning, creating, and filming their projects. Logical Mathematical: During the process of filming, students will need to problem solve in order to achieve the effects they are looking for in their animated film.

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