Animation History and Principles

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can explain key milestones in animation history and demonstrate how the 12 principles of animation are used to create believable movement.

Part 1 of 3

Warm-up video

Unknown Channel · 5:00

We don't generate video — this one is by Unknown Channel on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 3

Practice

7 questions

1

Define animation in your own words and list three different types of animation mentioned in the video.

2

Explain the relationship between frames and movement in animation. How does the number of frames per second affect the smoothness of the animation?

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe how the "squash and stretch" principle can be used to make the movement of a bouncing ball appear more believable. Explain how the principle of "follow-through and overlapping action" contributes to the realistic movement of a character's hair as they run. How does the "slow in and slow out" principle affect the perceived weight and speed of an object in an animation?

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson