This lesson introduces students to a wide variety of the performing arts that they are exposed to and entertained by every day. They are introduced to movies, television, animation, music and dance.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the lesson, ask students to talk about what kind of performing arts they participated in today. Did they listen to the radio? Watch television? Go to a movie? What is their favorite form of entertainment?

"Television"
This segment encourages conversation about television and the students' favorite programming. It also encourages them to think about how these programs are created. The process of animation is shown step by step.
Hands-on Activity - After the process of creating animation is covered, students are given a series of pictures to color, cut and assemble into a flipbook. Instruct the students to color each page the same (as much as possible) so the animation effect can be achieved when they put the book together and flip the pages. The ten pages are numbered to insure the book is assembled in the correct order. This is a challenging activity which illustrates the difficulty artists have in animation. Some children will need assistance in flipping the pages of the book. When the student takes the book home, tell them to instruct the parents how to flip the pages.

"Computer Animation"
Using actual computer animation, students are taught how many of their favorite cartoons are created. Talk about cartoons or commercials the students are familiar with that use animation.

"Television Programs"
Television is briefly covered simply to emphasize that it can be used as a learning tool as well as entertainment.

"Drama"
Activity - This segment provides 2 opportunities for students to role-play. The first acting role is performed as teams as they role-play as famous racing teams. Use chairs or the floor as the racecar (narration instructs, so students must pay attention) and encourage the 'team' to pretend they have won the big race. Encourage enthusiasm and acting skills.
Videotape Activity - The second scenario uses the Learning Station as a part of the performance. Depending on the number of students, this can be done with half of the class as actors and half being the audience, or as all participating as actors. Arrange the students' chairs like seats on a bus. The Learning Station will be the front window of the bus and the view of the road ahead. As the bus approaches cows in the road, students must start the role-play. Warn the bus driver about the cows in the road. Then, students must discuss together for the audience how they plan to move the cows. Encourage creative answers and performances. After a rehearsal, videotape their performance. Replay the videotape for your actors. If time permits, encourage the students to critique their own performance and then perform an 'improved' version of their play.

"Cinema"
Students learn how movies are created and how it is similar to the animation they created.
Hands-on Activity - If time permits, students can create their own filmstrip by coloring the handout provided. Talk about what the holes (to attach to the film spool reel) in the film are for. While students are coloring, talk about their favorite movies. Encourage full sentences and description words.

"Sound"
This segment teaches students the importance and the effect of sound that is added to movies and cartoons. Questions are asked as videos are shown with no music or inappropriate music. There is lots of opportunity for discussion during this lesson.

"Musicians"
Students are encouraged to listen to directions and participate in this fun exercise about the simple origins of music. Different instruments are introduced by pictures and sound clips.
Touch-Screen activity- As the piano is presented on the Learning Station, a simple keyboard is playable by activating the keys. Ask students to play the keys in any order. Then, try to create a pattern or tune.
Hands-on Activity - After the drum is introduced, students can make their own drum with simple supplies. Use plastic containers with lids, empty oatmeal containers (or other cylinder shaped boxes), small or large cans. (upside down buckets can be used if lids are not available). An assortment of sizes will produce different tones. If time permits, students can decorate the drums with paper, glue or tape, markers, scraps or decorative objects to attach. Create a classroom band. Optional - provide a tape of simple music and encourage the students to play along with the different tunes and tempos.

"Dance"
The lesson finishes by introducing dance. Have popular or regional music available for this activity.

Before Students Go Home - Review
How animation is created
How to use the flipbooks they created
How computers assist in the creation of cartoon animation

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
Handouts (on disk) of pages to color, staple and create animation flipbook
Handouts (on disk) of filmstrip image to color
Handout (on disk) of musical instruments
Containers to make simple drums - oatmeal containers, plastic containers with lids, large empty cans - paper or other scraps, odds end ends to decorate drum
Music (tape player and variety of music for dance)
Videotape