Through the power of technology the Grade 3 and 4 students brought their 2D ideas into a 3D reality! With the help of the ADST Specialist Ms. Murphy, the students applied their learning of the design cycle to create 3D-printed models to use in a stop-frame animation of their original stories. But they quickly learned it was not quite as simple as it sounds.
Translating 2D to 3D
The story began on paper, as many great stories do. Each student created a storyboard for their own original narrative. Once their idea was set, the students used their school iPads and Apple pencils, provided by Annual Giving, to design the 3D models of their characters in Tinkercad software.
At this stage the students realized the challenges that come with translating an idea from 2D to 3D. As Olivia in Grade 4 explained, “I wanted to make an axolotl, but it’s not really possible to make their tiny antennae, so I’m making a frog instead.”
A Practice in Pivoting
Using 3D printers in the Discovery Lab, the students brought their characters from the page into reality. The metallic and vibrant colours really made their creation pop, but it wasn’t just as simple as hitting “Print.”
Once the creation had been printed the students then had to refine and shape it, shaving off excess plastic and softening the edges. “It prints with all these extra bits,” explained Maddox in Grade 4. “We have to file it off to make it look nice.”
Trial and error is a key component of the design cycle and some students realized that their image was too small and had to redesign their creations to be printed again.Using these strategies to create their own stories gave the students first-hand experience and investment in the project process.
Bringing it All Together
With their characters in hand the students made their props and backdrop to start the animation process. The students took dozens of pictures of their scenes, slightly moving their characters each time. With the use of the Stop Motion Studio app on their iPads, they stitched the photos together to make an animated video. This process required a lot of patience and attention to detail, great skills for students to practice.
Parents can look forward to seeing their student’s work on SeeSaw soon.
We’re so impressed with our students’ adaptability throughout this project and look forward to seeing where their innovation takes them next.
Resources like our ADST Specialist, 3D printers, 1-to-1 device program and Apple pencils are made possible through the generosity of our community through Annual Giving. Your support enables initiatives that enhance the student experience in academics, co-curriculars, arts, athletics, wellness, service, outdoor learning and more. Help create future opportunities by visiting sjs.ca/support/annual-giving.
