A three-day teacher training workshop was held at the University of Akureyri’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities in Iceland from March 5 to 7. Organized by IYMF in collaboration with the university, the event welcomed 57 participants, including education students, to explore teaching methods that integrate environmental awareness and artistic expression.
The training combined discussions and hands-on activities, focusing on green, artistic, and stop-motion animation techniques. Brynhildur Bjarnadóttir introduced the project, emphasizing the Triple Planetary Crisis—pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss—and the role of art in addressing these challenges. French animator Yann Bonnin led practical sessions on cut-out drawings and pixelation. Participants, divided into eight groups, learned to set up cameras, use the “Stop-Motion Studio” app, and apply effects like green screen and frame manipulation. They explored animation principles through a “ball exercise” and experimented with cinematographic effects. This interactive format encouraged teamwork and sustainable creative practices. On the second day, all participants gathered for a collective review, reflecting on their learning experiences and sharing insights. They uploaded their films via QR codes for evaluation, culminating in a final screening where their creations were showcased.
The workshop successfully demonstrated how stop-motion animation can be an engaging and effective tool for environmental education. By combining creativity with digital skills, participants were inspired to integrate these techniques into their future teaching practices, fostering environmental awareness through artistic expression.
Watch the video here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCfpQX7nU90
