Animate It was a pilot project which aimed to create a series of short films bringing to life a selection of unusual working instruments from the Museum’s collection all of which are on permanent display but would not normally be handled or operated in public. The films include demonstrations, explanations, and some historical background.
The project involved a team of postgraduate students and staff from the Museum as presenters, and was supported by an Innovation Award (2014-15) from Oxford University Museums Partnership (OUMP). You can read the project report here.
What the presenters said:
‘I think the project provided a really nice opportunity to be involved with a public engagement activity not directly related to my current research… I liked that I was able to select the item myself from a range of different ones so that I could research something I genuinely thought was fascinating’
‘I gained presentation skills along with confidence building. I have also learned what kind of time and effort goes into a project like this. I’ve learned how to deal with anxiety at presenting and that preparation is the key to a successful outcome.’
‘This was a really useful exercise in thinking about ways to ‘unlock’ the objects and their stories and test them out, not just through my video but also in discussion with the other participants and by comparing their approach to making their videos.’
‘This was a really enjoyable project, and I’m grateful that I was given the chance to get involved. Thank you again.’
Presenters:
Chris Parkin, Lead Education Officer, Museum of History of Science (Project Director)
James Cooke, DPhil student in neuroscience
Lynn Atkins, MSc student in history of science
Robyn Haggard, MSc student in history of science
Scott Billings, Public Engagement Officer, Museum of History of Science
Sophie Andrews, DPhil student in biological sciences
Additional Museum staff:
Lucy Blaxland, Collections Manager
Cheryl Wolfe, Conservator
Keiko Ikeuchi, Photography and graphic design
Film production:
Karen Carey, Media Services, Oxford University IT department
Gregory Jenkins, Media Services, Oxford University IT department