Traditional Animation Origins: Thaumatropes and Phenakistoscopes

Hello Students,
Your next module is a physical exercise in creating examples of the earliest forms of animation. This module will create an understanding the illusion that makes animation possible, this is called "Persistence of Vision".

Animation History Project 1: Creating a Thaumatrope

• Make a thaumatrope using the materials available
• Think of an interesting 2-frame animation idea and create a handmade thaumatrope device, it can be created digitally and printed out or by drawn by hand
• You will turn in a physical example of your thaumatrope. Additionally, you must post an animated gif of your thaumatrope to your blog
• Due at end of class today!

Animation History Project 2: Creating a Phenakistoscope

• Create a phenakistoscope using the materials available
• Follow the lesson details outlined in the CTEOnline curriculum for creating a "Spindle Viewer". This lesson contains a template which may be printed and used
• Think of an interesting 16 frame animation, it should be able to loop seamlessly if you are successful
• Your animation can be drawn by hand, created digitally or with photographs, your imagination is the only limit
• You will turn in a physical example if your phenakistoscope, Additionally you must post an animated gif of your spindle viewer animation to your blog
• Write a short essay on the origin's of these devices. Post this essay to your blog to accompany your animation gifs. Discuss the origins and creators of these animation methods.
• Due by end of class Friday, essay due the following Monday

Have fun! - Mr.W