Reflection on animation and systems thinking

Day 1

What did you learn?

• By making an animation?• By watching other groups’

animations?

Why animation?

• Depiction of abstract concepts and systems

• Dynamic• Readily integrated with science

content• Little production and post-production

time needed

Adjust animation to fit your needs

• Pre-production:– Degree of scaffolding can vary easily, e.g.,

• Grades 8-12: Provide a scenario for students• Higher Ed: Ask students to research primary

literature or create an animation that captures concepts of their own scientific research

• System analysis can similarly be adjusted – from simple causal loop diagram to computer simulation

– Components include research, diagram or model system, write narration, create storyboard

Adjust animation to fit your needs

• Production:– Paper- or clay-mation (or other

malleable/moveable objects or materials)–Whiteboard or illustrated animation– Computer animation (much more time-

intensive)

• Post-production:– Little editing necessary

• Distribution