Animating Science (schools)

Investigating teaching and learning science through making stop motion animations

This research project directed by Jocelyn Wishart and funded by an SLC teaching innovation award investigates the creation of short animations in science lessons with pupils of different ages using a digital camera, Plasticine, laptops and freely available software in order to research the learning opportunities offered by having students animate science processes such as filtering, respiration, transfer of momentum etc

Making animations in learning science is enjoyed by nearly all. It aids understanding and memory in a number of ways:

- Visual and tangible representation of abstract science concepts
- Provision of opportunities to learn in different modes (or styles)
- Reinforcement through multiple stages in their production including storyboarding, making, viewing and especially discussing
- Enabling teachers to 'see' what pupils know and understand