Science Fest – The Recycla-bots

Would you like to learn how to create an animation at home as part of this year’s Science Festival? Then we can help!  Join us as we create a short film about recycling using lots of recyclable materials. We’ll guide you through putting together characters and scenes from household objects and bits and pieces from around your home. We’ll talk you through everything you need to know, including how to develop characters, building scenery and inventing a story – we’ll even throw in some pointers on how to film your animation using your phone or device. So tune in and get animating!

Age 6+

Making your upcycling animation instructions

1. Gather materials

• cardboard and plastic recycling  (think toilet roll tubes, sturdy envelopes, butter tubs, and old cardboard boxes!)
• scissors
• glue/tape/Blue Tack
• coloured pens and pencils (if you want them)

2. Create your story

• look at the materials you’ve gathered: what sort of characters and props could you create?
• dream up a story in which these characters would fit!
• write your story down as a plan so you know roughly how you’ll film it (you could even create a storyboard!)

3. Construct your characters & set

• build your set using your gathered materials (tips: use boxes to give your set shape!)
• put your characters together using your gathered materials (tips: think about what size they should be so that they fit comfortably in your set)
• If you’re not confident with scissors, ask an adult to help you with this bit!

4. Download your movie making app

• We recommend Stop Motion Studio (suitable for Android & iOS) but you can also use apps like:
• Clayframes (Android)
• Life Lapse Stop Motion Maker (Android, iOS)
• I can Animate (Android, iOS)

5. Set the stage

•  Place your characters in your set and set up your tablet or phone to film
• Make sure that you place your tablet or phone in a way that makes sure it won’t topple over between shots (tip: books are great for propping things up!)

6. Make your movie

• Open your app and start a new project
• Use the app to snap a photo, then move your characters just a little bit
• Snap another photo, then move them a little bit again
• Repeat this process until your characters have acted out your whole story
• Once you’ve finished, save your movie and share it with your friends!

SSF23 – Recyclabots PDF instructions – Stirling Libraries

See the full programme of the Stirling Science Festival.