School-Age Lesson Plans

Incorporating STEM in Program Planning

STEM Lesson Plans

Thaumatropes

Lesson Plan:

Activity:  

Thaumatropes

Lesson plan developed by:  Aurora Tollestrup, BS Ed

Age Group:

School-Age

Objectives:  

Children will: ​

• be able to apply the knowledge of basic animation elements by creating their own simple animation.

Washington State Common Core Standard

EALR 3 

• Solving Problems
• Big Idea: Application

Core Content: Solving Problems
Grades 2-3: Develop a solution to a problem by using a simplified technological design process. Investigate the use of tools.

Thaumatropes

Materials: 

• two same sized white cardstock circles
• crayons, colored pencils, markers
• string
• hole punch
• glue

Anticipatory Set:

• Begin by asking the children to raise their hand if they have ever watched a cartoon.
  
• Chances are that all hands will raise high in the air.
  
• Explain to the children the basic process of animation, and that it is basically a series of photos that are moved together in such a way that we perceive it to be combined as one single image.
  
• This is the very simplest form of animation and dates back to the early 1800s.

Procedure: 

• Instruct the children to create complimentary images on each circle.
  
• Images should work together, such as a bird on one side and a cage on the other.
• When finished, the children should glue the circles together with drawn sides facing out, but with one of the circles upside down (see photo).
• Punch holes on each side and tie the string through the holes.
• To get the animation to work, the children should pull the strings tight and twirl them quickly.
  
• Another person standing slightly back from the thaumatrope will be able to see the animation.

Assessment: 

• Observe the thaumatrope creation and the children’s ability to recall the basics of animation and why the thaumatrope works.

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Technology

“Follow the evidence wherever it leads, and question everything.” –Neil deGrasse Tyson

Technology is an entire system that encompasses the knowledge, processes and devices that have been used for various purposes throughout history. We often think of technology as things like computers, but in reality, technology is a tool. Arrowheads used by Native American hunters are an artifact of technology. Likewise, the process of creating those arrowheads is technology; it is a technological process.

It is important for students to understand technological processes especially as they apply to the real-world and the relevant world around them. Learning these processes and their applications can assist their social and collaborative skills, critical thinking skills and problem solving skills. These are fundamental skills that can and will assist them in many aspects of their lives.

How to include technology lessons in your program:

• Use technology in your classroom by having technological programs available for student use.
• Explain the use of technology in everyday life such as pencils, light switches, erasers, chairs, etc.
• Give students opportunities for open-ended exploration.
• Connect real-life to the technology studies and lessons that you present.
• Give students opportunities to solve problems both independently and collaboratively.