Magic Wings - An Animoto Adventure

As part of the science curriculum for second grade in my district, students study life cycles with a close look at butterflies and mealworms. Earlier this year, my students raised butterflies and learned the different stages that it goes through during its life cycle. It was so exciting when we went outside to let our butterflies go! As the unit continued, the students chose one insect and did an intensive research project which included the insects' habitat, life cycle, food, body parts, and fun facts. As a culminating activity, the second graders took a field trip to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory where they were able to see and learn about numerous reptile and insect species as well as experience thousands of types of butterflies flying all around. The students learned a lot and enjoyed seeing what they had studied so deeply at the beginning of the school year.

In my graduate class, EDUC584, I was required to create a film using Animoto. I was excited about using this new technology tool because I had never used a tool like this to create a video. I was nervous and wondered if it would be very "user-friendly" but sure enough, I was able to input images from our field trip with ease and with the backgrounds and music that Animoto offers, I easily created a video that I think the students and families will enjoy during our end-of-the-year celebration. Take a look!



I am thinking about using this video as a launching pad to showcase the literacy work that my students have been working on regarding their insect exploration from the beginning of the year and their written work explaining their experiences on our field trip. The opportunities to use Animoto are endless and I am looking forward to incorporating more videos from Animoto into my classroom teaching!