Special Project: Clay Animation - 6th grade art class

See project objectives below

	The Joust Created by: Jack Browner, Marcelo Cohen, Josh Rademacher, and Connor Shaw You’ll never look at the ocean the same way again… Play Video
	Shark Attack! Created by: Dustin Argo, Dylan Chambers, Graham Haehnle, and Jack Harsh The sport of jousting comes to life in this exciting battle between two knights.  Will either knight make it out alive? Play Video
	The Octopus Attack Created by: Sara Bissantz, Missy Dieckman-Meyer, Ceci Donovan, and Courtney Joseph Three friends take a ride in Cookie Monster’s oven car – they are innocently riding along under the ocean when… Octopus Attack!  Will their friend Tuck, the giant turtle from Wonder Pets, be able to save the day? Play Video
	When Good Squirrels Go Bad Created by: Maddie Amend, Helena March, Lily Roudebush, and Maddie Shelton It’s everyone’s favorite part of summer – a visit from the ice cream truck!  This ordinary day turns a little “nutty” when two squirrels, quarreling over an ice cream cone, suddenly have it stolen! Play Video
	El Foonke's Created by: Sydney Beckmeyer, Janel Bond, Allison Haussler, and Jodie Hutchins This is the tale of the frog family – you’ll see them driving along, parking, and entering a crowded restaurant, called El Foonke’s.  Watch as the madcap adventures of “Sushi Bear” unfold inside the restaurant. Play Video

Project Description

Students were divided into groups. They decided on a topic area as a group - they were given a choice of topics based on what they were studying in their core classes. After their topics were chosen, they wrote a "script" that included character descriptions and action sequences. They distilled their story into one or two scenes in order to most effectively and simply tell their tale. Each student constructed at least one character that would appear in the film. These characters and all props were made out of non-drying clay. This clay was formed around "armatures" to form a flexible but sturdy character.

Once characters and sets were complete, students were ready to begin filming. Each film consists of 60-100 still frame photographs. For each photograph, students had to make small changes in the poses of their characters. These photographs were then put together in a fast sequence to create the illusion of movement.

Skills Learned

Students will:

• Explore another technique of animation - fits within animation unit between flip books and Flash computer animation
• Learn the aspects of film-making: pre-production, production, and post-production.
• They will learn the steps in making a short film using clay animation techniques - story development, character development, construction (characters and set), filming, camera angle decisions
• Develop three-dimensional modeling skills
• Analyze a story idea, decide on critical moments, depict these moments in clay
• Utilize decision-making skills and problem-solving skills (group work/compromise)