Time-lapse of Stop-Motion Animations
During our previous class, I’d lectured on neural communication (specifically action potential and the role of neurotransmitters) and so today’s Behavioral-Neuroscience class was students creating stop-motion animations of a single neuron with its component parts, resting potential, action potential, refraction, release of neurotransmitters, and reuptake. They used the free iOS app “Stop Motion Studio” on their iPad or iPhone and the whiteboards around the classroom. Upon completion, their videos were uploaded to an assignment in Canvas.
Directions and the list of required elements were posted to Canvas and written on the chalkboard:
I confess that I’m surprised the activity went as smoothly as it did, and that the students’ products were as good as they are. The idea for the activity came to me late last night, and I had not prepared students in any way for the activity; that is, they got no training or demonstration on what a drawn stop-motion video might look like or how to use the app. Students saw what was on the board, heard my brief introduction — and then got immediately to work. They had an hour to complete the video, and groups finished in the 50- to 55-minute window. I won’t post student work, but trust me: the videos are excellent, showing an understanding of the items and processes listed above.
All in all, this was a winning learning activity.