Purpose: Students will learn to use photography equipment, (cameras, green-screens, photography lighting, and Stop Motion Software) as a means to create digital stories to help synthesize content that they are learning in their core classes.

The purpose of the Grant is to purchase equipment in order to introduce Digital Arts and Media to students who have not been exposed to this medium. In 2017-2018 our school began offering art. The startup did not include funds to purchase any digital art supplies – just the basics. The present art program needs photograph equipment for the students to learn photography and other digital arts. The project is necessary to ignite 21st Century learning skills. Through Art and Digital Art, students learn spatial awareness, composition, lighting, storytelling, sequencing, and planning. The project is necessary for students to learn how to operate digital cameras, software programs and supporting equipment. The project is educational as it creates collaboration, students must brainstorm and work together in teams to retell what they have learned in their core classes through a step by step process known as Stop-Motion Animation.

Impact:

Kindergartners through 5th Grade have learned to correctly focus cameras, use lighting techniques, crop images, and upload their artwork to Artsonia. Students play an active role in promoting their creations and parental engagement has increased.  Students are excited to see their artwork displayed online and shared via family members.  The online presence created a fundraising opportunity for our Art program.  Parents and relatives have purchased copies of their child’s artwork which in turn has created a unique drive within the students to create. Students in grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th used the Bescor LED Daylight Studio Kit, tripod, Savage 5’ x 7’ Chroma Green Screen, and an iPad to experiment in portraiture. We will be implementing the green screen for animations beginning in August.