What is Animation About ?

Animation is fun, and watching cartoons is something that all of us have done when we were kids and even now we all love to watch an Animation movie.

The art of animation goes way back to Paleolithic cave paintings. The early examples of attempts to capture the phenomenon of motion into a still drawing can be found in Paleolithic cave paintings, where animals are often depicted with multiple legs in superimposed positions, clearly attempting to convey the perception of motion.

 One of the very first successful animated cartoons was Gertie the dinosaur (1914) by Winsor McCay. It is considered the first example of true character animation.

 

The golden age of Animation is from 1920’s to 1960’s.

 Disney, MGM, Paramount pictures were the largest studios producing these 5 to 10-minute "shorts." Walt Disney’s 1928 cartoon Steamboat Willie starring Mickey Mouse was the first to use a Click track during the recording session, which produced better synchronism.

"Mickey mouse" became a term for any movie action (animated or live action) that was perfectly synchronized with music.

Disney produced the first cartoon in 3-strip Technicolor.

 Later, other movie technologies were adapted for use in animation, such as multi-plane cameras with The Old Mill (1937), stereophonic sound in Fantasia (1940), widescreen processes with the feature-length Lady and the Tramp (1955), and even 3D with Lumber Jack-Rabbit.

In 1937, Disney created the first sound and color animated feature film

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Today, animated cartoons for all audiences are produced mostly for television.

Television animation for children flourished on cable channels like Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network, PBS Kids, and in syndicated afternoon time slots.

The book which is called bible of animation is the “Illusion of life”.

Making of Animation (2D)-

Story board:  The story is developed as a "storyboard", a giant-sized comic strip. As the story develops, new drawings are added to the storyboard. Since the drawings are pinned onto a cork board, it is easy to make alterations to the story.

Backgrounds: The backgrounds are painted on cardboard or celluloid with tempera, acrylic or sometimes even oil paints. The backgrounds are the "landscape" in which the characters are moving, and they are often made into large-size panoramas, "pan backgrounds", considerably larger than the picture format. The camera follows the characters as they move across the background. This background is painted in a format suitable for a vertical camera move.

Dialogue and Music: Before the tedious drawing work can begin, the dialogue is recorded on tape and then transferred onto magnetic film. This filmstrip is analyzed in a sound reader, and every syllable is registered on an "exposure sheet" - necessary to obtain perfect synchronization between sound and picture. The sheet is divided into many rows, each corresponding to one frame of film. An optical sound track is then prepared and printed onto the film.

Animation: Every second of finished film consists of 24 frames, requiring 12 to 24 drawings, depending upon the speed of movement - faster movements need more drawings per second, slower moves can be animated with less, with three or even more frames shot of every drawing. The animated drawings are filmed on black & white film to check the smoothness of the movements. Effects are also added by drawing. Animation was done using the 12 principles.

Ink & Paint: In order to superimpose the animated characters on the backgrounds, the drawings are copied onto transparent sheets of celluloid or plastic, usually called "cells". The lines are traced in ink, and the colors are filled in on the reverse side of the cells, in order to get completely even colors when viewed from the front.

Filming: The filming is carried out on an "animation stand". Sometimes the picture is divided into several levels (4 on this "multi -plane" stand), separated by about 30 cm, or 12".
Today, the 2D Animation industry is taken over by the 3D Animation industries, but we definitely get to see more and more good movies getting made.
Animation will be cherished in the years to come.

- Ms. Deepa & Mr. Sukayan

Traditional vs Modern Teaching Methods

       Traditional methods of teaching

·        Teacher-centric classrooms

·        Teachers in the mode of knowledge dispensers rather than fa-cilitators

·        Chalk and talk methods

·        Regimented classrooms

·        Lack of collaboration and group learning

·        More emphasis on examinations and results rather than understanding of concepts

·        Improper alignment between objectives, activities and assessments 

Modern methods in use in education

• Technology-driven classrooms
•    Continuous comprehensive evaluation
•      Cross-curricular connections
•      Inquiry-based learning
•      Emphasis on understanding of concepts
•     Linking curriculum with life
•      Emphasis on skill building, life skills and values
•    Collaborative learning
•    Differential learning
•    Activity-based learning and learning labs
•   Interdisciplinary learning
•    Digitisation in teaching, learning assessment and feedback
•     Collaborative learning
•   Differentiated instruction
•   Flipped classroom
•     Problem-based learning

Traditional versus modern methods of Effective Teaching

Education is vital to the pace of the social, political and economic development of any nation, so effective teaching is very essential. Effective teaching is important because teaching is based on helping children from one level to another in a more interactive environment .

My experience comes from Sancta Maria School, Teaching methods are best articulated by answering the questions "What is the purpose of education?" and "What are the best ways of achieving these purposes?" Traditional method relies mainly on textbooks while we rely on hands-on materials approach. In traditional method, presentation of materials starts with the parts, then moves on to the whole while in the modern approach, presentation of materials starts with the whole, then moves to the parts. A variety of strategies and methods are used to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to learn. A lesson plan may be carried out in several ways: questioning, explaining, modeling, collaborating, and demonstrating. The teacher is here not to explain but to encourage and help students to explore, try out, make learning interesting, etc. Unlike traditional methodology, modern methodology is much more student-centred. According to Jim Scrivener, the teacher’s main role is to “help learning to happen,” which includes “involving” students in what is going on “by enabling them to work at their own speed, by not giving long explanations, by encouraging them to participate, talk, interact, do things, etc.”

At Sancta Maria International School

1.      Allows greater student participation in the activity

2.      Explores different avenues for learning

3.      Student- directed

4.      Teacher is facilitator

5.      No difference between work and play

6.      Learning by discovery

7.      Teacher provides guidance and facilitates learning

8.      Provides students with certain degree of freedom, giving them chance to develop their creativity and resourcefulness

9.      Emphasizes the “why” and the “how” of learning, thus encouraging students to do investigatory and exploratory work

10.   Aims to develop the cognitive, the psychomotor and the affective domains of learning; hence instruction is child-centered and multi-faceted.

 - Ms.Sreenisha and Ms.Kavita

Ancient Indian Scientists and their Contributions

Science is an important part of our everyday life, even more so than we notice. From our fancy gadgets to the  technologies we can’t live without, from our humble light bulb to the space explorations, it is all gift of science and technology.

I wonder what would we be doing if none of these things were invented? How often do we take out the time to think about those extra ordinary minds who made life easier for us? Here is a list of few Indian scientists who achieved a global recognition-

 Aryabhatt

Born in  476 CE in Kusumpur (Bihar), Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy.

He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry.

And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.

Bhaskaracharya

GENIUS IN ALGEBRA

Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra, Bhaskaracharya' s work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him to fame and immortality.

His renowned mathematical works called "Lilavati" and "Bijaganita" are considered to be unparallel and a memorial to his profound intelligence.

Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. He was the champion among mathematicians of ancient and medieval India. His work fired the imagination of Persian and European scholars.

Acharya Kanad

FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY

He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul.

He says, "Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules." His statement ushered in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500 years before John Dalton.. Kanad has also described the

dimension and motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other.

Acharya Charak

FATHER OF MEDICINE

Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned work, the "Charak Samhita", is considered as an encyclopedia of Ayurveda.

His principles, diagnoses, and cures retain their potency and truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was confused with different theories in Europe, Acharya Charak revealed through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc.

Acharya Sushrut

FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY

Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first ever surgery procedures in "Sushrut Samhita," a unique encyclopedia of surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe, Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and other challenging operations.

In the "Sushrut Samhita," he details 300 types of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the arena of medical science.

Varahamihir

EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA

Varahamihir' s book "panchsiddhant" holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the "Bruhad Samhita" and "Bruhad Jatak," he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases affecting plants and trees. 

 

Acharya Patanjali

FATHER OF YOGA

The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through yogic practices. 

He prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul. The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and self-realization.

  Acharya Bharadwaj

 PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY

Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the "Yantra Sarvasva" which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. 

-Reshu Chauhan

Christmas

The year has almost come to an end when everyone is waiting the long overdue holiday, after a period of hard work. This holiday period means different things to different people, for some it is a time of festivities while for others just a break to spend with family or just to relax.

We have all heard of Christmas, either because of our religion or because our friends celebrate it or because it is celebrated all over the world. What comes to one’s mind when one thinks of ‘Christmas’? Good food, time with family, presents, Christmas tree, snow, Santa Claus, nativity and so  much more.

Good food, time spent with family/friends we understand, but where do the other things come from? Do they have some meaning or some history? Does it come from some culture? Some superstition or some tradition handed down through generations?

We in this little piece want to find roots or origin of a few symbols related to this globally celebrated festival – Christmas.

Let’s start with the basics:

1.      Christmas – we do not need to be Christians to know that this word comes from Christ, who is the Son of God - Jesus. It commemorates his day of birth. As we all know it is celebrated on the 25^th of December, though the Bible does not mention the exact date, Pope Julius I, set this date in an attempt to Christianize the Pagans in the 4^th century.

Ancient pagans were hunters and spent most of their time outdoors. The seasons and weather played a very important part in their lives and because of this they worshipped, the sun. These people saw the sun as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the word for this wheel, houl, that the word yule (another name for Christmas) is thought to have come. At Winter Solstice they lit bonfires, told stories and drank sweet ale.

2.      Crib – the dictionary describes this word as a child’s bed or a cot. For the Christians the Crib is the most important symbol of Christmas celebration. It symbolizes the events that occurred on the actual day of Jesus’ birth.

This story begins with a young God-fearing girl, Mary who is engaged to be married to a carpenter, Joseph. Now Mary was expecting a child, and the males of that town were expected to go to Jerusalem for Census. On the way Mary goes into labor and they stop in a little town called Bethlehem where she gives birth to Jesus in a stable. Jesus’ birth draws different people, be it angels or wise men, shepherds or cattle.

3.      Christmas tree – not any tree is used as a Christmas tree, it is the Fir tree that adorns the homes of many. Fir tree symbolizes the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The evergreen fir tree is a sign of hope throughout the winter season--hope in the promise that the rest of nature too will awaken to new life in the coming spring. For the Christians it represents hope for everlasting life through Jesus Christ.

4.      Ornaments – the Christmas tree is decked up with different adornments. Each figurine has a meaning.

·       Star: represents the bright star that shone the night Jesus was born and aided the three wise men to find him.

·       Gifts: represent the offerings of the three wise men- gold, frankincense and myrrh.

·       Holly Berries: represent the blood of Christ.

·       Wreath: represents the crown of thorns that was worn by Jesus.

·       Bells: represents the call for mankind to worship the Lord.

·       Lights or Candles: represent the light Jesus brought in the world.

5.      Carols – the word carol originally meant to dance to something. They were sung by the Pagans thousands of years ago, during the winter solstice (shortest day of the year). They were not Christmas carols but the Christians adapted this tradition to their faith.

6.      Carolers - represent the multitude of angels that sang on the night of Jesus’ birth.

7.      Santa Claus - Santa brings us all together! Kids all over the world know who Santa is... A merry old man with red and white clothes, eight flying reindeer, later joined by Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. A home located near the North Pole. Who has a habit of filling socks or stockings with presents on the night of December 24^th, bringing in the idea of giving that reminds us; we are all on this planet together, for the long run.

We hope that this piece helped you understand the meaning and spirit of this celebration better. Regardless of the faith we profess, we all gear up to take part in this festivity.

Wishing everybody a joyous, prosperous

and peaceful Christmas and New Year!!

-Indu and Inma