iStopMotion

used with social studies

by: Katalina Gaona and Jennifer Smith

What is iStopMotion?

iStopMotion is a design tool that uses animation to create videos. Stop motion animation has been used in famous settings such as when King Kong climbed the Empire State Building, or when Luke Skywalker rode the ice beasts. Stop motion animation is also what is used to create clay-mation films. Using iStopMotion, people can create a movie frame by frame.

Why use iStopMotion in the classroom?

iStopMotion is a user friendly stop motion animation tool. It includes all of the tools needed to create a finished movie and is simple to use. Because of the nature of iStopMotion, it facilitates group work and cooperative learning. It lends itself easily to group projects where each member can participate and contribute uniquely. It is very simple and can be incorperated into any subject area. Todays students are very tech savy so kids would really enjoy using iStopMotion.

How do I use iStopMotion?

iStopMotion is very simple and easy to use. Below is a short video that guides you through the steps of creating a basic video. When you open iStopMotion and turn your camera on, all you have to do is set up the first frame and click a button. Then, you move your scene and click again. It is set up so you take the pictures frame by frame to create a video. You are also able to print it off and you can create a flipbook.

http://youtu.be/uv0N8HuW5Lg

A little more information about iStopMotion...

This program is only compatible with apple computers such as Mac and iPad. It is only around 50 dollars on a Mac and 10 on an iPad, and it is worth every penny. There is also a more advanced version that costs around 100. For the elementary classroom I suggest getting the basic version because it is more simple and will be really easy for students to use.

What are some examples of how I can use iStopMotion?

iStopMotion can be used in all content areas in the classroom. Here are a few examples of how it can be used in fifth grade social studies.

• One of the goals for the history standards for the fifth grade is to analyze historical sources from multiple points of view to develop an understanding of historical context. This could be accomplished by having the students create short videos telling historical stories. Many textbooks only tell a story from one point of view, and in videos, the students can choose different points of view form which to tell a story. Students can draw pictures, take photographs, or dress up and take their own photographs for a video. One of the goals of history instruction is to create understanding. Students can use iStopMotion to tell stories and to explain cultures.
• Another standard in social studies is geography. For the fifth grade, the students need to learn the causes and consequences of movement. A video can be made taking pictures of different maps showing movement. The maps could present the information in an easy to understand way and a voice over could be included to narrate the story and clarify the maps.
• The state standards for fifth grade history require that students learn about the American Revolution. Students could use iStopMotion to create a video highlighting one of the events that they learn about. There is also a feature that allows you to create flip-books. Students could make the frame by frame using iStopMotion and then they can print their flip-books and have a gallery walk so students could see their peers work.

Some possible resources:

http://www.boinx.com/chronicles/category/iStopMotion/

http://smithdowntowntech.edublogs.org/files/2008/08/stopmotion-1dov751.pdf

http://stop-motion-handbook.com/images/NMSLessonPlan.pdf

http://www.sanjuan.edu/webpages/pribadeneira/generation_yes_class.cfm?subpage=72610

http://www.application-systems.co.uk/istopmotion/extra2.html