Programs for Schools: Minds in Motion
Grade 4
Minds in Motion
This interdisciplinary program gives students the opportunity to collaboratively write, storyboard, direct,
and produce an original stop-motion animated film. The curriculum creatively integrates elements of science, technology, math, language arts, and the arts for a dynamic project-based learning experience. Students’ films created in Minds in Motion have been screened at film festivals all over the world. Every student receives a Production Book that assists in the organization and creative process of animation.
Click Here to see recent Minds in Motion videos on our YouTube Channel.
Lead Faculty
Greg Lewis, Greg Nemec, and Joseph Summerhays, withthe assistance of trained volunteer educational facilitators
Educational Objectives
Apply math and language arts skills to the telling of an original visual story through the art of animation. Practice public speaking skills through group presentation. Conceptualize original characters and bring them to life. Understand the art and the creation of animation. Foster creative collaboration by working as a team. Succeed in the completion of a long-term, multifaceted project.
Participation
Plan A
A professional animator leads a series of 12 on-site workshops. The JBFC provides all necessary equipment and materials. The program culminates in a red-carpet screening of the completed student films at the JBFC Theater. Workshops are held weekly, generally at 10:00 am–noon or 1:00–3:00 pm, in Sept.–Dec. or Feb.–May.
Plan B
The JBFC trains educators to implement the program themselves. Classroom teachers or art, technology, media, or ELA specialists receive three full days of interactive training, Minds in Motion curriculum, a DVD containing sample films, organization and production tools, and technical and implementation support. The program’s schedule is determined by each instructor. The films are created using an Apple computer, a digital video camera, and iStopMotion animation software.
Schools qualifying for financial assistance may borrow equipment from the JBFC at no cost. All other schools are responsible for providing their own equipment.
Cost: $450 (first-time participating teacher) plus $150 for each additional teacher trained, $150 (returning teacher). Teachers may bring their class to the Media Arts Lab for one full-day workshop for an additional fee of $200.
Interactive Teacher training: Wednesday, June 27–Friday, June 29, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact education@burnsfilmcenter.org. Schools with demonstrated need are eligible to participate in Minds in Motion completely free of charge.
