Exploring the fundamentals of animation.

This Zoetrope kit provides some ideas for teachers to introduce the concept of animation with students. By definition, animation is the illusion of movement. By linking a series of still images with very small changes in-between, the image sequence appears to move and come to life. With the Zoetrope, get started by having students assemble the Zoetrope kit and creating a simple 8 frame animation. For starters, students can create an animation using geometric shapes such as a square or circle. For advance lessons, try getting students to create strips that require complex motions (walking cycle) or multiple strips that demonstrate a plot or story line.

Our concept of motion depends on two things: persistence of vision and the Phi phenomenon.

Phi Phenomenon

The Phi phenomenon is a result of human instinct. When we see two different images close together, we automatically try to create a relationship between them - connecting the images in this way gives them movement and meaning. The slots on the side of the Zoetrope simulates flashes of light broken with moments of darkness, which enables the illusion to work. If we simply look over the top of the drum at the broken drawings, you’ll see that the illusion of movement disappears and the pictures are now just a blur.

Persistence of Vision

Persistence of vision happens when our eyes cannot keep up with the speed of change between each image, and it refers to the length of time the retina retains an image. This optical illusion is believed to be the explanation for motion perception in cinema and animated films.

Zoetrope

Create your animation within the Zoetrope by drawing your idea onto eight separate cards and cutting them out to slot into the Zoetrope. You can also create additional cards by cutting out 3 x 3.2 cm pieces of paper or card stock.