Zoetrope
SCHOOL PROGRAM LESSON PLAN–4 to 6
Zoetrope
Final Project Description:
A simple handmade animation toy – the zoetrope
Description:
Developed in 1834 by William George Horner, the zoetrope consists of a cylinder with slits cut vertically in the sides. On the inner surface of the cylinder is a band with images from a set of sequenced pictures. As the cylinder spins, the user looks through the slits to see a rapid succession of images, producing the illusion of motion.
Curriculum Connections:
Visual Arts
create an image using animation as an image‐development strategy
create images that show contrast
use appropriate terminology to describe image development in their own and others’ works
English Language Arts
share ideas in structured discussions and dialogues to explore issues, varying viewpoints, and conflicts
explain their own viewpoints and give reasons
Workshop Duration: 70 minutes
In Gallery: 10 minutes after the tour for discussion
In Studio: 5 minutes for instructions, 10 minutes to make a template zoetrope, 40 minutes to make their own zoetrope, 5 minutes for clean up and discussion and look at other’s work.
Prep:
Put out the name tags and markers on an atrium table
Set up a demo station in the center of the room with all steps of project
Set up each student’s seating area with the materials
Put a few string choices with a couple of pairs of scissors on a table for kids to help themselves
Materials:
Zoetrope templates – blank and printed
Scissors
Exacto knives
Cutting mats (students will have to share)
Pencil with eraser end (to construct the zoetrope with, not to draw with)
Thumb tack
Tape
Pencils
Erasers
Markers
Before students begin, have them write their name in pencil on the back side of their zoetropes.
10:50 – 11:00: Discussion
Gather students in a group in the gallery and talk with them about the persistence of vision and introduce the zoetrope. Demonstrate how the zoetrope toy from the resource room works and pass it around for the students to try.
Originally called “Wheel of the Devil,” the zoetrope was developed in 1834 by William George Horner. The word zoetrope is a combination of two Greek words that mean “living things” (zoa) and “to turn” (tropos).
A zoetrope is one of several pre-film animation devices that use the principle of the “persistence of vision” to create illusions of motion.
The zoetrope consists of a cylinder with slits cut vertically in the sides. On the inner surface of the cylinder is a band with images from a set of sequenced pictures. As the cylinder spins, the user looks through the slits to see a rapid succession of images, producing the illusion of motion.
We could animate the photographic sequences made by Eadweard Muybridge by cutting them into strips and putting them in a zoetrope – many of these early animation toys did make use of his images in this way.
What is persistence of vision and how does it work?
Short answer:
Impressions made on the retina of the eye last for a short time after the object which produced it has been withdrawn.
Explanation:
Your eyes see by means of a coating of light-sensitive cells. This coating is called the retina. When light hits the cells they get excited, and a message of this excitement is sent to the brain. It takes a bit of time to do this and for the cells to calm down again, so the light picture that they get doesn’t vanish instantly. It lasts for a fraction of a second. This holding action is called persistent vision.
Seeing spots is sometimes an example of persistent vision. It is especially true with really bright lights. Can you remember the last time you were zapped with a flash from a camera? You saw spots for a long time after the flash went off. The same is true when you look at the sun, or out of a bright window for a long time, or directly into a lamp.
Demonstrate zoetropes – let kids play with the demo ‘trope.
Lead students back to the studio to create their own zoetropes.
11:00 – 11:15
Get students seated and using your demo station walk them through the steps to assembling the demo zoetrope.
STEP 1
Cut around the outer shapes with scissors.
STEP 2
Use the exacto blade to cut the slits as indicated.
STEP 3
Attach the sides to the base as indicated.
STEP 4
Cut out the animated strips, tape together and place inside the machine.
STEP 5
Spin! Amaze!
11:15 – 11:55
Have students create their own zoetrope strips!
Help the students choose simple transformations or moving figures that are within their abilities. Ask them to take a couple of minutes to chat with the person next to them about some ideas. Call on the class to share their ideas.
Some examples: flower growing from a seed; person walking; animal walking or running; bird flying; an apple falling from a tree, etc.
11:45
Ten minute warning! Students will have ten more minutes to complete their work.
11:55 – 12:00
As students complete their zoetropes, have them put the completed artworks on a clean table by the white wall (make sure their names are on them) and ask them to clean up their stations and wash their hands.
Once everyone is finished and cleaned up, have them play with each other’s zoetropes.
They’re adorable! Get a picture of them with their spinning wonders.