Time Will Tell: Using Time Lapse Photography and Digital Storytelling in Science Roger Pence, MA Ed. Benicia Middle School California STEM Symposium, Anaheim, CA 2016 rogpence@gmail.com Wiki resources: https://dsinscience.wikispaces.com

Time-lapse vs. Stop Action Photography Time-lapse aims to show slow-moving events quickly Examples: flowers blooming, clouds passing, decomposition, etc. Stop-action aims to “freeze” a moment in time for accurate and keen observation Examples: a bullet from a gun, an explosion, pollen bursting from a flower, etc. Slow-motion aims to “slow” the movement of something down for observation

Guiding Questions in Activity Design Why is it useful in observation? Time-frames and the observer How can it be used to research a phenomenon? Allows changes to be seen in “real time” Why Narration? Power of the “explaining voice”; learning through verbalization

Some sample ideas… erosion ants clouds water cycle studies Shadows Biological processes like mold, metamorphosis, etc.

Some story ideas to tell in time-lapse chemistry of change physical processes chemical reactions motion density settling entropy

What are the Learning Goals? Students will be able to: Accurately and keenly observe a slowly unfolding event and record those observations Use digital technology to photograph the event so as to compress the real-time unfolding into 60-90 seconds of time Research the underlying reasons for why we see what we see Write an accompanying narrative script describing the changes observed and why they occur Use video editing program to record live voice narration that describes the time-lapse video Produce a final, sharable version

How are time-lapse stories constructed? A suitable event is chosen (look for interest, photographic potential) Practice photographing the event Choice of suitable interval to end up with 30-40 discreet shots (every 5 minutes to 12-24 hour intervals depending on event pace) Weaving observations into a coherent story: LET’S SEE SOME “RAW” TIME-LAPSE FOOTAGE! What needs description? Why, why and why DO WE SEE WHAT WE SEE? Raw pictures are inserted into an editing program such as iMovie, Windows Live Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere Elements, etc. Individual shot duration decided upon to produce 60-90 seconds running time Voice recorded into program to provide accurate, revealing voiceover

The Assignment Overarching, guiding question: How can we show and describe scientifically events that happen too slow for us to see in real time? Classroom Handout (uploaded to NSTA scheduler)

Samples of Student Work Gummi Bears in water vs. vinegar Gel Crystals in Water Egg in Vinegar Butterfly Metamorphosis Welding Process! – engaged some boys in their interests also involving the family Day’s Light - overall good example Polymer Frogs in water Apple Oxidation Loaf

The Process 1: the photo part 1. Brainstorm a subject 2. Evaluate equipment and feasibility of subject 3. Design time frame to end up with 50-60 pictures in the set (total time in minutes / 50 gives a good frame interval) 4. Import into editor to make a “movie” 5. Watch movie and take notes on observed phenomena

The Process 2: Research and Production 6. Research and explain why the phenomena occur 7. Write a 200-word narrative script that coincide with images 8. Voice record the script in the video editor 9. Add any transitions or sound 10. Finish and share the final movie

Equipment, Software, and Techniques Cameras and Photo Equipment Digital camera (manually time shutter or setting) Phone with good camera (can download app for iPhone, Android) iOS 8 for iPhone/iPad has a time-lapse feature (demonstrated later) Time-lapse camera (I have a Brinno) Tripod mount for device (iPad sample) Computers and Tablets PC, Mac, iPad, other tablet, iPhone Lighting considerations Consistent and appropriate for subject/camera If photographing sun/moon, test for camera “washout”

Time-lapse apps iPhone/iPad (use its camera) with iMovie, WeVideo: Osnap!, Lapse-it, Hyperlapse from Instagram or others Use iOS 8’s time-lapse setting http://www.studioneat.com/blogs/main/15467765-how-does- the-ios-8-time-lapse-feature-work http://www.howtogeek.com/226487/how-to-take-time-lapse- videos-on-iphone-or-ipad/ http://iphonephotographyschool.com/ios-8-time-lapse/ Android (use its camera) Galaxy Tablet, Note, etc.: with WeVideo , VivaVideo, (web-based): Osnap!, Lapse-it, or others http://www.superstokedmagazine.com/article/2014/10/timelap se-samsung-galaxy-note4/

Video Editing Software/Apps Mac: iMovie, Adobe Premiere Elements (import photos) PC: Windows Live Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere Elements (import photos), WeVideo Chromebooks: WeVideo (import photos)

Practical considerations and classroom handouts Time Will Tell Project Directions Time Will Tell Script Checklist Offer groups of 2-3 so as to cover equipment needs.

Thanks for your time and attention. rogpence@gmail.com https://dsinscience.wikispaces.com