Do you believe that science can make you joyful and “high” like helium? That’s thanks to science animation! Animation and science both boost imagination to the edge. In fact, this duo can bring us many surprising benefits, especially in teaching science. It also helps teachers to solve one of the most aching problems: students perceive science as a boring subject.
What is Science Animation?
Animated resources such as videos, images, and slides, … used for delivering scientific information are called science animation. For example, this is a video from Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell YouTube channel using animation to visualize the smallness of an atom. The result? They nailed it!
Or this educational image from our work with world-renowned permaculture consultant, designer, and teacher Geoff Lawton on Permaculture Design Online Course. Earlier on, he has produced more than 700 live-action videos recording himself teaching the lesson.
However, the complicated and abstract processes of permaculture can’t be fully delivered and explained only via these videos. Therefore, we consulted Geoff on combining live-action and animated videos in the courses and worked together to create 330 learning videos. Science animation videos help students understand the complex effects of landscapes and climates, which take hours if only explained by words.
“How the tornado forms” is a difficult topic that is challenging to explain to students the complicated effects of landscapes and climates. But, as you see, this animated video has done it well! All you have to do is sit in front of your screen just within 1 minute and 26 seconds, and the knowledge naturally jumps into your mind. For sure, if you go for a presentation with a ton of words, it can take hours and the learning outcomes are not efficient.
| Check out more case studies of science animations: > Animations for Science Courses |
The core value of science animation is high accuracy. Accurate teaching ensures students build a strong foundation in both applied and natural science. However, with the help of animated materials, science can now be both fun and informative at the same time. How? Let’s find out below!
Still too complicated to kick start your animation project? You are not alone. We have the answers to all of your concern!
How can Animation Make Science Fun?
The convenience that the Internet has brought us, specifically search engines like Google, distracts young people from being curious to dig deep into their studies. Instead, they choose to harvest some instant shortcut information. This is just the tip of the iceberg of many reasons why more and more students are losing interest in learning sciences.
| Find out more factors that contribute to the low enthusiasm for science: > 13 reasons why people find science boring |
So how can animation work its magic on science? Though the two oppose each other.
Welcoming atmosphere
Animation has helped science by making it not only look fun but also enjoyable and entertaining. Science is more appealing to a wider range of people nowadays than previously when they thought scientific subjects may not be right for them.
Thanks to animation’s colorful, friendly appearance, students can feel much more supported and confident to take the class. Attending science hours is no longer a burden; instead, it has become a playful and exciting subject that is just like coming to the cinema or going to a comic bookstore.
Simplify complicated contents
One of the most common reasons why people find science tiring is that it involves too many difficult and puzzling factors, definitions, internal/external relationships, chronological orders, and many more to count. How can we have fun while digesting many things at a time?
These complex issues could be solved with animated resources by visualization. With visuals, science learning is made easier since our brain tends to proceed with images a lot faster (it is estimated 60,000 times faster) than written words … No more wordy, and no more complex matter, for the learners. Furthermore, complex data like charts, and numbers are presented more beautifully.
Joyful learning experience
Most of us grow up with the fantasies of Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, or Ghibli Studios as childhood memories. But with the application of animated videos into school subjects, especially boring science, students are now living their wonderful young ages again! They get fun, they get inspired and they learn from science animation.
Who said animation is only for children? Animated materials boost learning spirit, make them more engaged, and improve the learning outcome. Take a look at this famous video from TED-Ed:
This 4-minute video used colorful animation to visualize strange obstacles floating in our eyes. “Floaters” are illustrated cutely are explained scientifically with high accuracy of the operation of our eyes. Thanks to TED-Ed, the “biggest personal mystery” is now clear! These annoying floaters are tiny objects that cast shadows on the retina of your eyeball and are clearly seen on bright backgrounds like a blank computer screen or morning blue sky.
| Extra ways to fight science subjects’ boredom: Scientific Subjects Made Simple: 07 Pivotal Teaching Aids for Science |
From the video above, another conclusion is made to make science learning more fun: practical experience. Students often forget the scientific side of a real phenomenon, so surprising them with in-depth knowledge would be a brilliant way to inspire them. And here’s the most important part of this article, we would like to tell you a lot of tricks and reveal some secrets to producing really humorous science animation.
How to Make Science Animation Videos?
Focus on the following factors to ultimately produce effective science materials with animation, here you go!
Create motion to enjoy first
Simple yet impressive! Who would deny a cute GIF like this? The key here is the motion of the illustrated Earth: the smile, the surprise reaction, …
Motion is enlisted as the strongest feature in science animation. The movement of characters, the transition of processes, or the operation of living things can all be shown in motion. Its vital mission is to connect: everything is relatable. The smoothness of a video defines the success of delivering knowledge as it affects the learning process, motivation, and engagement.
Do you need a lot of these very techniques (motions) or transitions? Actually, NO. Too many movements unfortunately seem inappropriate because it will distract learners. But yes, it’s an indispensable part, knowing to insert appropriate motion at an appropriate time is a secret that contributes robustly to give emotion to the video and make it ‘alive’.
If you are looking for some animation software to perform the act, we suggest then try After Effects Adobe, Toon Boom, etc. Template software like Vyond and PowToon are just good at making basic and simple animation, so it would be hard to create the proper animation.
For the best results, you should use tailored animation from professional studios instead. Although it’s more expensive than Vyond and PowToon, it sure reduces a lot of work and guarantees quality.
Optimize visualized subjects
Another great feature of science animation is visualization. Poor visuals never conquer the learners. However, if it is done for distinguished purposes (like a parody), we will not discuss those circumstances, such as this video 60M viewer video (which is super 8bit, at the primitive dawn of illustrations), but standing out!
But for higher education and non-entertainment videos, (which are explainer videos), rich and intense visual materials with clear data from charts, models, and images help learners get the idea of content better.
Take a look at these detailed visuals explaining various processes that occur in the formation of metamorphic rock from our work with UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales).
Normally, it would take pages of documents to explain specifically a complicated process like this. However, science animation allows students to grasp all the information with logic and order.
There are some things to note, as it can provide higher outcomes when using charts and models.
For charts:
- Tree charts are beneficial to show various kinds of relationships.
- Classification charts are best used to present classifications, e.g. plant kingdom or animal kingdom.
- Collages are those charts where information or pictures from other sources (newspapers, magazines, etc.) are pasted.
- Flip charts are used to make a flipbook or a stand and it is flipped backward like a calendar sheet.
For models, remember to apply a reasonable type for each situation. There are 3 main types of models, which are static, sectional, and working model. In a static model, parts of a system cannot be separated.
On the other hand, sectional models allow you to remove and replace parts of an object. Apart from that, working models show the actual operation of an object or process, e.g., conduction of electricity, and body systems.
Trigger humor and curiosity via storytelling
An extra for science animation’s attractiveness is definitely storytelling. Do you believe that storytelling is used to present complex and abstract topics like science nowadays? Everybody is always attracted to inspiring stories. Because they bring a great sense of listening and feeling at the same time.
Use a plot if possible
While we’re on the topic of introducing characters for emotional values, why not write a whole story or film plot? Humans have always been storytellers, ever since we were living in caves. And since you’re informing your audience of new and complicated ideas, a good solution is to sandwich it with something they’re already familiar with – stories.
Animation and storytelling go hand in hand, fusing to make the best catalyst for emotions, reeling everyone in with funny, sad, triggering images, you name it. Even the toughest Kinesthetics will have their pickles tickled.
In medical animation, storytelling is also applied to present training for patients and professionals. One highlight of this healthcare animation is experiential learning. Some special scenarios can’t be presented, for example, a hospital catches on fire. A carefully-written script can bring this emergency situation to life, along with the help of animation.
To tell a story, firstly, you have to create objects and characters. Besides, you also need to create an outline of the flow of information (what happens before and what happens after) because it’s a script. In this way, the content is simpler to understand, and science becomes more friendly to learners.
But how can it become fun you asked? Well, the secret lies in the sense of humor. It is wise to utilize analogies whenever possible, begin with a super unrealistic scenario, and also link time events/ factors from different or irrelevant entities that may share a common connection. Always think of more ways to connect similar subjects, and expand the topic logically.
If this is still too complicated for you, check and choose one of the scientific animation services and let them handle all.
Never stop before you can create inspiring audio narrations
Last but not least, animated videos with compelling visuals and audio descriptions can lead to the highest result thanks to the creation of a multi-sensory learning experience for viewers.
An animated learning video without voice-over typically contains more text. In science animations, it’s difficult for students to read text while watching object movements to understand processes. Voice-overs enhance the presence of lecturers, which is crucial for the learning experience. Plus, a familiar instructor’s voice can reduce feelings of isolation and demotivation in online learners.
There’s not much to say, about the tone of the narration (as a part of storytelling) can affect the mood of the learners. If you go with a sleepy voice, your students will get super sleepy accordingly. A dogmatic voice will bring heaviness and dullness to the video, and lose all attempts of being fun. So, it’s vital that every science animation should come up with a clear and transparent dubbing, and most of it, be funny (give it a try) and inspiring. Be exotic and exciting!
Watch our video for Sedimentary Design Training for UNSW Sydney recorded with voice-over for wonderful explanations, which resulted in fewer texts on screen and increased focus of students.
Best 5 Science Animation Software
Here are five top science animation software options for both of 2d animation and 3d animation:
1. Adobe After Effects
A powerful tool for creating stunning visual effects and motion graphics. Widely used in film and television, it offers extensive features for both 2D and 3D animation. This is the go-to choice to produce high-quality science animations.
- A comprehensive suite of visual effects tools, including keying, tracking, compositing, and animation
- Extensive library of pre-built effects and presets to speed up the creative process
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Support for 3D rendering and motion graphics with built-in Cinema 4D Lite
- Advanced text animation capabilities with full control over typography and motion
Pricing: 7-day free trial & US$22.99/month
2. Toon Boom Harmony
Renowned for its professional-grade 2D animation capabilities, Toon Boom Harmony supports both frame-by-frame and rigging animation techniques. Some of its powerful features, which can support your science animation, include:
- Advanced rigging system for creating complex character movements
- Smooth integration with other software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Efficient timeline and node view for managing animation projects
- Built-in compositing and special effects tools
- Customizable brushes and textures for unique artistic styles
- 21-day free trial for exploring the software’s capabilities
Pricing:
- Annual Desktop Subscription: $1,096.00/year
- Monthly Billing: $135.00/month
- Perpetual License: One-time purchase of $2,406.501
3. Moho
This user-friendly 2D animation software is known for its bone rigging system and vector-based drawing tools. This is an ideal choice for both hobbyists and professional animators seeking a more effective option for producing high-quality science animations.
- Bone rigging system for intuitive character animation and movement
- Smart Bones feature to control complex facial expressions and body movements easily
- Import and export options for various formats, including PSD, AI, and video files
- 3D camera view to create dynamic scenes with depth
- Customizable brushes and textures to enhance visual style
- Library of pre-made content including characters, props, and scenes for quick animation
- Free trial version to explore the software’s features before purchasing
Pricing:
- Moho Pro 14: $399.99
- Moho Debute 14: $59.99
4. Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D animation suite that provides comprehensive tools for modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, and rendering. With the features it supports, you can turn any model into impressive characters, making your science lessons more attractive than ever.
Non-linear animation (NLA) editor for organizing complex animations
- Grease Pencil for 2D animation within a 3D environment
- Particle system for creating effects like rain, hair, and fire
- Integrated path-tracing engine (Cycles) for high-quality rendering
- Real-time viewport preview with Eevee render engine
- Extensive library of add-ons and plugins for extended functionality
- 100% free and open-source
5. Cinema 4D
This software is known for its intuitive interface and powerful 3D animation capabilities. It is used by professionals to create high-quality animations and simulations. Cinema 4D’s rapid, robust, adaptable, and reliable toolset simplifies and streamlines 3D workflows for design, motion graphics, VFX, AR/MR/VR, game development, and various visualization professionals. Whether you are producing science animation or any type of animated video, Cinema 4D delivers impressive results.
- Intuitive bone rigging system for smooth character animation
- Smart Bones for precise control over complex character movements
- Automatic lip-syncing for character dialogue
- Support for both frame-by-frame and cut-out animation techniques
- Library of pre-built content and assets for quick project starts
- Easy export to various formats including video and web-friendly options
- Free trial available to explore the software’s features before purchasing
Pricing: $59.91 per month or $719 annually
Conclusion
To sum up, science animation does wonders for science teaching as its features make difficult and tough scientific topics more fun, and more engaging. Students will realize that learning science is a fun and enjoyable journey leading to valuable knowledge.
If you’re looking for a science animation studio, F. Learning Studio can help you transform your content once and forever. Contact us now and let’s see how animation brings your lesson to the next level:
- WhatsApp: (+84) 378 713 132
- Email: [email protected]
- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/f.learningstudio
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/f-learning-studio/
Read Further:
- 15 facts to expect at the power of animation!
- 5 best examples of educational science animated videos in eLearning
- Top 5 animated eLearning video companies (2023)
Sean Bui, the founder and creative director of F.Learning Studio, is a respected leader in the e-learning and multimedia production industry. With over 10 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to helping organizations create engaging and impactful learning experiences.
Under his leadership, F.Learning Studio has grown into a trusted partner for organizations in the education, healthcare, and corporate training sectors, producing over 2,000 minutes of educational animation.
