Learning Objective

Students will understand the importance of protecting our planet and develop animated GIFs using Brush Ninja to communicate their ideas effectively.

Materials

• Computers or tablets with internet access for each student or pair of students
• Brush Ninja website
• Art supplies (paper, pencils, markers) for brainstorming and sketching ideas

Procedure

Introduction

• Engage students in a discussion about the importance of protecting our planet.
• Show them examples of animated GIFs/ movies created by other artists that convey environmental messages.
• Explain that they will be creating their own animated GIFs using Brush Ninja to raise awareness about different environmental issues.

Brainstorming and Sketching

• Provide each student with paper and art supplies.
• Instruct them to brainstorm ideas related to protecting the environment, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, or preserving wildlife.
• Encourage students to sketch out their ideas for their animated GIFs, considering how they can visually represent their message in a short animation.

Using Brush Ninja

• Distribute computers or tablets to each student or pair of students.
• Guide them through accessing the Brush Ninja website.
• Demonstrate the basic features and functions of Brush Ninja, such as drawing tools, stickers, frames, and timeline.
• Allow time for students to explore the tool on their own while providing assistance as needed.

Creating Animated GIFs

• Instruct students to create their animated GIFs based on their sketches and ideas from earlier.
• Encourage creativity in incorporating visual elements, colors, and movements into their animations.
• Remind them to focus on conveying a clear message about protecting the environment through their animations.

Presentation and Discussion

• Give students an opportunity to share their animated GIFs with the class.
• Each student should briefly explain the environmental issue they chose to address and how their animation communicates that message.
• Facilitate a discussion about the different approaches and techniques used in the animations, as well as the effectiveness of conveying their messages.

Assessment

• Students will be assessed based on their participation in class discussions and brainstorming activities.
• Their understanding of environmental issues and ability to effectively communicate ideas through animated GIFs will be evaluated.
• Assessments can include rubrics that focus on creativity, technical skills, clarity of message, and adherence to the topic.

Extension

For students who finish early or want to further explore protecting our planet:

• Encourage them to create additional animated GIFs focusing on different environmental issues or solutions.
• Provide resources for researching specific environmental topics, such as climate change or endangered species, and challenge them to create informative animations.
• Collaborate with other subject teachers (e.g., science or social studies) to create cross-curricular projects where students research an environmental issue and use Brush Ninja to animate their findings.

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