
Adding Animation to STEM gathers STEAM
While India has been extremely strong in pedagogical education, we have been by and large languishing in the Arts domain. Consider this – most inventions of the 20th century have taken place in the west where art, creativity and out of the box thinking is actively encouraged at a very young age.
Fortunately, with the introduction of IB curriculum in India, this lack of innovation is being recognised and addressed. The missing A for ARTS in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) is now made central to understanding varied disciplines and is gathering STEAM! Instead of teaching disciplines/subjects in isolation, lessons are well integrated with ARTS to make them rounded, project and inquiry based, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning. This aids deeper understanding and promotes critical thinking.
STEAM education results in students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving and innovation, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.

Introduction of Animation in IB curriculum in itself has been pathbreaking, as it is a healthy amalgamation of varied disciplines, a perfect example of STEAM.
Science: Understanding concepts like persistence of vision, applying laws of physics to animations, as in gravity, inertia, weight etc.
Technology: Understanding the use of camera and software to create animations.
Engineering: Innovative techniques in animation allows children to understand the possibilities of creating the same thing in different ways.
Arts: Storytelling, drawing, story sequencing, character designing, background designing, music and sound design etc.
Maths: Timing and spacing, frame per second concept etc.
When children are given opportunities to learn an art form that is so versatile as animation, it nurtures their cognitive abilities. Inspiring children to think laterally, in new and unconventional ways is what will emphasize innovation and progress in future. This exposure is much needed for children and young adults.
All this and more, makes Animation essential to our education system. Not just as a one-off workshop for kids, but also as an ongoing program within schools to allow kids an outlet or a platform for their bursting ideas and creativity.
At Toon Club, we are proud to be the pioneers in integrating Animation, integrating it seamlessly with the pedagogical curriculum in some of the leading schools of Mumbai.