3420 Nevada Ave. N, Crystal, MN 55427
www.LionsgateAcademy.org
763-486-5359 fax: 763-390-0012
Stop-Motion Animation
Art Instructor: Ms. Meta Thomas
E-Mail: [email protected]
Art Educational Assistants: Ms. Erin Guenzler & Ms. Lindsay Nygaard
2013-14 School Year
Phone: 763.486.5359 ext. 310
Course Description & Objectives: The goal of this yearlong high school art class is to explore the many
realms of stop-motion animation. Students will experiment with a variety of materials and methods, both 2D
and 3D, while creating animated works of art. We will focus on animation principles, storyboarding, set
design, and editing using computer programs. All completed projects will be posted on the LGA Student
Projects YouTube Channel.
Aside from focusing on Minnesota Arts Standards, the Art Department at Lionsgate Academy has three
main goals:
1. Develop Creative Problem Solvers: Through out this course we will study the creative method and
use it as a problem-solving tool to guide us through the challenges we face as developing artists.
2. Exploring the Emotive Quality of Art: Aiming to develop students’ creative self, art can serve each
student’s unique needs in social skill development. This equips them with life skills in
organization, visual literacy, accountability, time management, and self-reflection that will follow
them as they transition into the community.
3. Building Independence in Artistic Processes: This involves creating a balance between encouraging
students’ high interest areas while learning new art techniques and skills. This class is a safe
place for students to express their unique ideas and sense of humor!
Textbooks/Teaching Materials: We do not use textbooks in art class. I use direct instruction with
PowerPoint presentations, videos, class discussions, and hands-on classroom demonstrations and
activities.
School Policies: Students are subject to all academic policies of the school as printed in the Lionsgate
Academy Parent-Student Handbook. Furthermore, it is each student’s responsibility to read and follow all
academic policies of the school.
School-Wide Classroom Expectations: There are 4 expectations to guide students’ safety and conduct
in the classroom:
Be Safe- Stay aware of the space and people around you. Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
Be Flexible- Work with a variety of students and staff
Be Respectful- Allow learning to take place, follow directions, use expected words, and value each
other’s space and belongings.
Be Responsible- Come prepared for class, participate, and use strategies to stay regulated.
Art Class Expectations:
Respect yourself: Art is a process that
Respect others: Use kind words
Respect the Art Room:
involves some “trial and error”. Give your
when talking about artwork. Offer
Clean up after yourself.
best effort, advocate for help, and stay
criticism in a positive way. Ask
Use materials
positive about your progress. Experiment
before touching someone’s
appropriately and
with new materials and ideas!
artwork. Be aware of your space.
responsibly.
Lionsgate Academy’s Authorizer is:
Novation Education Opportunities, 500 Washington Avenue South, Suite 1020, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone 763-588-4453
Fax 612-870-1200 email [email protected]
http://www.novationeducationopportunities.org
Assessment/Grade Policy:
This is primarily a project-based course that focuses on building technical art skills and problem solving
skills. There will be some smaller graded assignments, worksheets, and activities that will prepare you for
an upcoming project. Each project will be graded equally. Grades are based on (1) Project Goals, which
change for each new project, and (2) Thinking Skills, which include the planning, revising, and reflection
processes. Overall, students will receive grades in 2 categories:
Product
Grades your technical skills and thinking skills for each project. These will
change for each project.
90% of final grade
Process
Grades your everyday “work habits”. You will be graded regularly on:
Teamwork, Focus, Time Management, Responsibility, and Perseverance.
10% of final grade
Grading Scale:
Percentage
100%
94 % - 99%
90%-93%
87-89%
83%-86%
80%-82%
77%-79%
73%-76%
70-72%
67-69%
63%-66%
60%-62%
Below 60%
Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DI (Incomplete)
Make-up Work/Late Work Policy:
If a student misses one day of class during the current project,
their project is still due at the pre-determined due date. If a
student misses a significant consecutive number of classes, an
extension will be considered upon student contacting the
teacher. If a student does not finish the current project by its due
date he/she must complete the project outside of normal class
time by either taking the project home or coming in before or after
school to work on it. Students are required to have all projects
turned in by the end of each quarter or they will receive an
incomplete grade for the quarter. Students with an incomplete
grade will have the remainder of the school year to complete.
Under individual circumstances this policy may be altered.
Due to the group work that is involved in this class, special homework might be assigned to students who
are frequently absent. When you are working in a team, your peers depend on your daily presence for
contributions to your project. Be prepared to take work home to make up for any absences.
Course Units
Animation
Concept
Persistence of
Vision
Project*
MN Art Standards**
NOTE: Projects and projects products are subject to change based
on individual needs and time restrictions.
Thaumatrope- Create a classic example of the illusion of
movement.
9.1.1.5.3
9.4.1.5.1
Flip Book- An expanded look at sequenced movement.
Basics
of Animation
Beginner’s Ball Animation- Learn stop motion animation tricks by
animating a simple clay ball.
Paper Puppet Walk Cycle- Create a paper puppet and make it walk
across the page.
2D- & 3DBased
Animation
2D Animation- Choosing from a list of inspirations and materials,
create a 2D animation.
Pixelation- In a small group, create an animation by making 3D
inanimate objects move.
9.1.1.5.4
9.2.1.5.2
9.1.1.5.2
9.2.1.5.1
9.1.2.5.1
9.2.1.5.3
9.1.1.5.1
Sound
Appropriation
Illustrate a Sound Effect- In a small group, you are given 2 sound
effects that you must find a way to combine in a short story.
9.3.1.5.3
Parody Animation- In a small group, take a famous fable or story
and add a new twist to it.
9.3.1.5.2
9.1.3.5.2
9.3.1.5.1
* Curriculum is subject to change as students’ skills and interests develop. Stay up to date by
checking the Computer Art lesson plans.
**For more information on the MN Art Standards, please reference
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Academic_Excellence/Academic_Standards/Arts/index.html