5+-+Animation+and+3D+Modeling

=Week 5 - Animation and 3D Modeling=


 * Resources:**
 * Activity #5-1 Xtranormal Animation
 * Videos and Readings
 * In-Class Resources

At the end of this Learning Topic, you will be able to:
 * Learner Outcomes:**
 * Use xtranormal.com to create a movie that justifies and encourages the use of 2D and 3D tools for classroom. (activity 1)
 * Analyze and explore curricular ideas for using of 2D comics, 3D animation and modeling software. (activity 2, 3)
 * Create a 3D model using Google Sketchup to support a curricular area. (activity 4)
 * Analyze benefits of 3D tools to determine how these tools could support cross-curricular activities. (activity 5)

Background/Rationale Animation has a wide variety of uses in today’s classrooms. Although animations were originally hand-drawn most are now created using digital tools, which allow for more realistic rendering of artwork as well as a much faster speed of creation. There are several methods to create animation. Stop-motion is a form of animation in which an object is moved and photographed over and over. The impression of motion is achieved as images are shown in quick succession. Claymation is yet another way to achieve movement by remodeling clay and capturing each image.
 * Background/Rationale:**

Animations work by tricking the brain. Viewing between 12 and 70 several images per second makes the image appear as if it is continually moving. In the United States, our movies run at 24 frames per second, (FPS) to achieve the desired impression of live movement. Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) can be 2D (two-dimensional) or 3D (three-dimensional). 2D animation can be created as a vector or bitmap image. Comics are a good example of 2D and can help students learn story structure and writing skills. The fun of using images to create comics or graphic novels helps many reluctant writers get past their fears of writing and experience success.

There are many 3D applications that allow the creator to simulate movement by maneuvering the character art within a frame. 3D animation is built using a computer program to first build a structure or "wire-frame" of the character, structure, or environment. Simulated "look" is created by overlying texture images of flesh, clothes, hair, grass, etc. to the wire-frame. Finally movement is created with the use of scripts and mathematical function built into the 3D program. Once completed 3D animations are rendered, the conversion to a film or digital video format, usually creating a much smaller file. These 3D images can take on very realistic appearance and are frequently used in motion pictures. Many high schools now offer animation coursework.

In the classroom there are several uses for digital models and animation. Students usually deeply engage in creating their own comic strip, animated video or avatar. Combining comics, animation or models with curricular concepts helps learners to demonstrate their understanding. Making a photo of Thomas Jefferson explain the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Blabberize.com illustrates what a student has learned about this period of history. Teaching peers through comics or animations about a science experiment or characters in a novel is another way to capture creativity while helping prove understanding. Using 3D modeling tools to create representations of objects or buildings gives geometry real life application, encourages blooming architects and draftsmen, and promotes understanding of CGI application. Science is another subject that benefits from modeling. Both biological and physical science can draw deeper understanding by offering students 3D models. Images of anatomy structure, cellular organelles, and molecular activity can be rotated and examined in greater depth than a flat image in a textbook. These are all important ways to grab a student’s attention and combine content knowledge, pedagogy and technology to supply best practice instruction.

Computer aided drafting (CAD) software is a powerful tool for high school students studying construction and fabrication and serves as a good prep for engineering careers. High school students are able to create their own virtual worlds using industry standard 3D modeling software like Blender, Maxel 3D, and others. Character creation, animation, and terrain or "world" design training serve to set students up for workforce readiness. As teachers we are limited only by our imagination to use these tools that enable the creative side of our students for greater learning.