Animation
Computer animation has captured the interest of many teens in recent years. Today, this technology can help students blend the arts with science by using animation to show a process such as mitosis, a physics principle in action, or a chemical reaction.
In the Spotlight
Claremont Middle School, Oakland Unified School District
Thanks to a newly revitalized technology center, students at Claremont can create three-dimensional projects using animation software. In the fall of 2008, Claremont became one of the first middle schools in California to teach three-dimensional animation during the school day. Students can take the semester-long class during the regular school day or enroll in other after-school electives such as Tech Squad filmmaking and Web design programs (also offered on two middle school campuses in East Oakland: Frick and Havenscourt).
The technological transformation at Claremont didn't come from the school board, the district's curriculum department, or even the principal's office. According to a news article about the innovative program (Oakland school goes high-tech, Oakland Tribune, 1/30/09), the technology programs at Claremont are the result of tremendous efforts by parents and other volunteers. The community partners developed the vision, conducted fundraising events, and provided much of the set-up needed to launch the program.
In addition to the animation class, other planned offerings include: Film Making; Music and Sound Creation and Mixing; Digital Photography; Presentations and Spreadsheets; Web Site Creation.
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