Moviemaking for Kids

As a part of our continued commitment to education, we'll be offering weekly free resources and exclusive samples via our newsletter. This week, we're sharing TWO TechTerra Education exclusives: Zu3D Stop Motion Animation and Sparkables Design Inspiration Cards.

Good stories aren't just fun to tell and hear; they're a fundamental communication tool that actually activates the brain. In fact, we spend our lives thinking in narratives – 70% of what we learn comes through stories.

Cloud Stop Motion is a free tool that allows your child to use their imagination to create their own stories and put it on digital film. The website https://www.cloudstopmotion.com provides step-by-step instructions. All you need is a tablet or a computer with a webcam.

This is a great time to tell stories, and this is a fun new way to do it. Give it a try.

Here's a quick, fun example of a stop motion animation video featuring a figurine competing in a curling competition! No fancy equipment or tools needed, just found items from home and your child's imagination.

"But what do I make a movie about?"

Does your child need a little inspiration? That's where Sparkables Design Inspiration Cards come in. Created by TechTerra, Sparkables cards consist of Word and Picture idea cards that help 'spark' the imagination. Use this set of word and photo cards along with the Design Process to inspire original ideas for inventions and projects, including Stop Motion Animation videos!

We've included a free sample of the Sparkables cards to help get the imagination rolling at home, but you can purchase the full set here. Sparkables cards can be used across a variety of activities and subjects, such as story starters, math object designs, science inventions and more.

Check out the video below for an example of Sparkables in action.

Be on the lookout for more STEM activities and resources next week.

In the meantime, check out our Online STEM Academy. We offer live online classes each week with real educators, teaching lessons in coding, digital storytelling, 3D engineering & design, and augmented reality exploration. Our 12 week program is grade specific (ranging from Pre-K all the way to eighth grade) and includes extra, self-paced activities and worksheets for your students to complete. No extra tools needed, just your student and a computer or tablet!

Don't worry if you get stuck, we're here to help. Email us info@techterraeducation.com and we'll be back in touch right away to answer your questions and offer assistance.

Email: info@techterraeducation.com
Website: techterraeducation.com
Phone: 919-519-9097
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Twitter: @techterraed