Animation at Prairie

Next week I am introducing animation to my third and fourth grade students using a free program called Pivot Animator:  It can be found here.  Pivot Animator uses stick figures with pivot points as a way to move them.  What I like about this program (other than being free) is it simple to use and allows for basic customization.  You could have your students create their own backgrounds and objects with Photoshop or other image editing programs or import pre-made images from other sources.  Once they have created their animation it can be saved in the .gif format.  I will upload their creations to my school website for their parents to view at home.The website does offer a help file and FAQ for support.

The ISTE standards I have identified are:

1.a: Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes. 1.c: Use models and simulation to explore complex systems and issues. 6.a: Understand and use technology systems. 6.d: Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

The objectives I stated in my lesson are:

The students will:| * understand that animation is created through a series of images (or ‘frames’) that are run in quick succession * depict movement using simple flip-book techniques (via software) * be able to define basic animation

I will share some of my students artifacts in a couple weeks.

Let me know if you use the program and how!

Dan