Animation rules!

Using science infographics in the classroom can be a quick way to get students to quickly visualise the ideas you’re putting forward. However, whilst a static image of science content is usually more than fine for the classroom, why not look further for some animated versions which grab the attention of the students and dive deeper into the detail? You don’t have to show a video, an animated infographic can very quickly get your point across without having to wade through several minutes of a science presentation. By hooking up your data projector or interactive whiteboard to your computer or students using their own device, you can quickly have students say ‘WOW’ whilst you guide them through what is being presented.

Below are short selections of the thousands of animated science infographics that you can find on the web… have fun!

Aluminium: How is it made?

How Aluminium is made? Infographic by Hydro.com

This brilliantly animated infographic by Hydro.com traces the story of how Aluminium is made, from mining bauxite through to creating the final shelf product. Simply keep scrolling down and the information continues to be presented clearly and effectively. Very slick and highly useful if you’re teaching a geology unit in your school.

Flight videos deconstructed

Deconstructing the wing movements of a bat and more

The looping animated graphics in this infographic by Tabletop Whale are very handy if you’re running a class on flight. On this site, you’ll find the wing movements of a bat, dragonfly, duck, hummingbird and hawk moth. With colours placed in for the up and down stroke of the wings, your students can quickly compare the animals at a glance.

Cheetah: Nature’s speed machine

Cheetah’s speed and biology infographic by Animagraphs

Cheetah: Natures speed machine shows quickly covers key points in the biology of a cheetah in relation to how fast the animal can run. On this infographic, you’ll find an animation of the cheetah running plus comparisons on breathing rates, stride and more. Quite handy when teaching biology in your class! As you are presenting this as part of a science class you should consider getting the students to convert the units into the metric system.

How a 4 stroke engine works

Showing the 4 stroke power cycle in an engine

Another infographic by Animagraffs, this time you can trace the cycles of a 4 stroke engine. This type of detail is where animated infographics come into their own element, making your life as a teacher easier!

Just how far is it to Mars?

Just how far away is Mars anyway?

Considering the recent announcements by SpaceX to get a private space mission to Mars, as well as the re-commitment of the current US administration to human exploration of the red planet, this scrolling infographic by David Paliwoda and Jesse Williams can provide a useful perspective on the sheer distance to students that needs to be overcome. Simple yet effective for a space science workshop!

How to build a human

Rolling animated science infographic on the growth of an unborn baby

This amazing infographic by tabletopwhale.com almost seems like an infinite conveyor belt! This animated graphic charts the growth of an unborn child, starting from a single cell to blastula to fetus. Very handy for teaching the human body to students.

What is really warming the world?

Animated graph depicting factors contributing to global temperature rise

This animated graph by Bloomberg brings together climate models and observed data taken between 1880 to 2005 by NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies showing greenhouse gases, ozone levels and land clearing. This will make a good class discussion about the use of graphs, correlations and causation when showing data (i.e. is there enough data to support conclusions given?). The depicted graph and associated data below the animation are compelling and well worth considering when planning a renewable energy teaching unit.

Animated USA wind map

Almost real-time wind direction shown for the continental USA

Teaching a weather topic at school? This animated wind map of the USA could be interesting to overlay with a traditional synoptic chart to show the implications of high and low-pressure systems on wind speed and direction. You can also get an Australian version that’s live at earth.nullschool.net as shown below too (see the Cyclone Debbie off the east coast of QLD as at 27 March 2017 in the evening?).

Wind map of Pacific Ocean at 27 March 2017

Simple Chlorella virus animation

A quick way to show symmetry in viruses.

Needing to show symmetry and structure of viruses in a microbiology workshop? This simple rotating animation by Eleanor Lutz will help students visualize the Chlorella virus in a rotating animation.

Want to create your own science infographics?

There are a number of free and paid online tools that you can use to quickly create science infographics to support your teaching. The following websites are ones we have used in the past if your favourite one isn’t listed feel free to pop these in the comments below!

• Canva Infographic Maker
• Visualize
• Easel.ly
• Piktochart
• Inforgr.am
• Venngage
• Dippity

Happy teaching,

Ben Newsome.

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