Animation: make moving pictures

Use technology to create animation

Learners can make their own thaumatrope in this engaging resource developed with assistance from Archives of IT.

Thaumatropes are one of the earliest forms of animations, first created in Paris in 1824 by John Ayrton. They work by creating an optical illusion of motion, as the drawings appear to blend into one another when spun.

Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links

In this activity learners will develop an understanding of animation and produce two different forms of animation.

This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of digital art and increase understanding of methods of animation. Alternatively it could be used to introduce or reinforce graphics skills or, by selecting an appropriate topic to address as a class, to reinforce learning of a science topic.

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.

Downloadable content
• Animation activity
• Animation presentation
• Animation storyboard handout
• Animation thaumatrope handout

Tools/resources required

Paper and colouring implements
Scissors
Straws or craft sticks
Glue sticks
Laptop / tablet with access to appropriate stop motion software.
Modelling clay or plastic construction bricks (optional, for extension activity)
Digital cameras or image capture equipment (optional, for extension activity)

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

MP4 videos can be viewed on the IET education website