Schools

In-Class Workshops
(All workshops average 90 minutes in length)

Goals and Learning Outcomes

PUPPETS COOL!
(JK – Grade 8)

Description: This media arts, creative design workshop uses puppetry design, creation and story-telling. Students learn in a creative, multimedia hands-on production process. Culminating activity includes students producing story-telling media using the puppet characters they create.

Goals: To educate students on the creative process and production of different forms of media using puppetry. 

Learning Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of the creative processes involved in the production of popular media. Students will gain an understanding of how media texts are presented, to achieve a desired outcome. Students will have hands-on opportunities to create original media texts using the information provided.

Timeframe: During class hours throughout the year, as scheduled; approximately 90 minutes.

PUPPETS COOL! Plus
(Grades 4 – 8)

Optional Story Creation Workshop:  Suitable for Grades 4 and above, this 30-45 minute optional workshop is available as an addition to PUPPETS COOL! as described above.  In this workshop, students learn to create literary characters within a traditional three-act story structure.  The class will participate in the development of an original story and are encouraged post-workshop, to develop their own independent story ideas.  All materials are provided including a workbook.  

TOONS!
(Grades 2 – 8)

Description: This media arts, creative design, animation and technology workshop uses animation, design and accessible tools. Students learn in a creative, multimedia hands-on production process. Culminating activity includes students producing original film media using animation and characters they create. For secondary students, a more comprehensive look at mechanical puppetry and animation is explored; how it works with technology and STE(a)M concepts; and the intricacies of these media arts.

Goals: To educate students on the creative process and production of different forms of media using animation. 

Learning Outcomes: Students will gain an understanding of the creative processes involved in the production of popular media. Students will gain an understanding of how media texts are presented, to achieve a desired outcome. Students will have hands-on opportunities to create original media texts using the information provided.

Timeframe: During class hours throughout the year, as scheduled; approximately 90 minutes.

THE CREATURE SHOP
(Grades 1 – 8)

Description: This hands-on workshop teaches students how to use motion picture special effect techniques to create their own animatronic creations. Students handle and explore the simple machines that give the illusion that puppets and other non-real creatures are alive, including mechanical pulleys, push-pull rods, gears and gear chains. Students learn different kinds of special effects, comparing computer generated effects to floor effects. Students build articulated “Gear-Bots”.  After the workshops, students keep their own creations.

Goals: To educate students on the creative process and production of different forms of media using puppetry and simple machines. 

Learning Outcomes: Students will learn different kinds of special effects and motion picture special effect techniques.   Students will examine simple machines and tools to create movie special effects. Students will create simple animatronic devices.

Timeframe: During class hours throughout the year, as scheduled – approximately 90 minutes.