Time Lapse

GRADE LEVEL: 6 - 12

TIME REQUIRED: Will vary based on the project selected

SETTING: Classroom

GOAL: To prepare and present a visual interpretation of some aspect of change

OUTCOMES: At the end of this lesson the student will:

• prepare a visual demonstration of change,
• articulate this change by a presentation, and
• demonstrate the ability to manipulate the visual medium of his choice.

KERA GOALS: Meets KERA Goals 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.8, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.16, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.9, 2.11, 2.19, 3.3, 3.4, 3.7, 4.2, 4.6, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Our earth is dynamic. The environment has changed and is still in the process of changing. Land and mountains rise and are destroyed by weathering and erosion. Climates change. Most change occurs slowly over a long period of time.

Succession is a term used to describe the ever-changing environment and the gradual process by which one habitat is replaced by another. Succession influences the characteristics and types of plants and animals that live in an area. As the plants change, the habitat available to animals changes. As the habitat and food sources change, the animals must change or migrate to a new location.

MATERIALS NEEDED
Materials will be determined by the medium chosen:

• Paper
• Crayons, markers, paints, pencils
• Video camera and film
• Still camera and film
• Magazines

PROCEDURE

1. Students may work alone or in small groups.
2. The student should select a visual medium. Some possible mediums include: video, slides, magazine pictures, natural objects (i.e. live or decaying), or a drawing.
3. Using their chosen medium, the student should demonstrate a concept of variations, change, or adaptations by portraying the same scene over a period of time. Some examples the students might elect include:
   • Photographs of an eroding hillside over a period of time.
   • Seasonal changes – winter to spring
   • Succession: pond forest community
4. The time required for the project will vary according to the project selected. For example, a montage of magazine pictures will require less time than photographing the change of seasons.

This activity was adapted from “Time Lapse” found in Project Wild, a joint project of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Western Regional Environmental Education Council, Inc.