Alice's ACMI Adventure: Discovering Nature and Gaming ACMI visit inspires Alice's learning Diary Entry: **Title: A Day Out at ACMI and Learning to Connect** What a day we had today! Alice and I made our way to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and were entranced by the Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature exhibition. Alice was deeply engaged in the meditation and found it very comforting. We discussed the theme of our shared breath with the trees and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Alice's understanding grew, as she pieced together the importance of every life form and our connection to nature, highlighted by animated images of trees ‘breathing’. The exhibition sparked a noticeable calmness in Alice, her pace slowed, and she seemed more at ease, thoroughly absorbed in the artwork as she radiated tranquillity. From tranquillity to enthusiasm, as we moved to the gaming exhibitions, Alice's love for computer games truly shone. The evolution of the moving image and the development of computer games fascinated her. It was inspiring to witness Alice’s excitement grow as she got to try games developed by independent developers. Alice was particularly amazed to learn about the success of independent game developers in Australia. This eye-opening encounter stirred a potential career interest in her - perhaps a future gamer or animator. Alice's creativity expands beyond the virtual world; her love for drawing anime characters and dragons is evident in the artwork she shares. Currently, she's honing her skills of drawing hands and is excited to dive into the world of 2D animation. She's self-teaching through YouTube and the Procreate Dreams app. Throughout the day at ACMI, Alice's curiosity was apparent. The way she interacted with the exhibits. Her experiences today have raised questions and curiosity about the moving image world, nature, and her place within it. This has sparked many ideas for ways to extend her learning and nurture her budding interests. We could provide Alice with opportunities to explore animation and game development within our setting, like coding or stop motion animation activities, trips to local nature reserves to enhance her understanding of our connection with nature, and inviting a local animator or game developer to share their experiences would be beneficial.

Art

• Alice learned about the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of every life form through the animated images of trees 'breathing'. This understanding can be incorporated into her art by creating pieces that demonstrate this interconnectedness and the beauty of nature.
• Alice's love for drawing anime characters and dragons can be further nurtured by exploring different art styles and techniques that reflect nature and movement.

English Language Arts

• Her experiences at ACMI could inspire Alice to write stories that integrate themes of nature, interconnectedness, and gaming into her narratives.
• She can express her thoughts and reflections from the ACMI visit through creative writing, such as poetry or journaling, to further deepen her understanding and connection to the exhibited artworks.

History

• By learning about the evolution of the moving image and the development of computer games, Alice gained insights into the history of technological advancements, which can be further explored through research and projects about the history of gaming and animation.

Math

• Mathematical concepts can be integrated into Alice's interest in game development by exploring the mathematical principles behind game design, such as geometry, probability, and algorithms.

Science

• Alice's understanding of nature and her connection to it can be enhanced by exploring scientific concepts related to ecology, environmental science, and biodiversity, integrating her experiences from the nature-themed exhibition into her science learning.

Social Studies

• Opportunities for discussions and projects can be created to explore the cultural and social impact of gaming, as well as the contributions of independent game developers to the Australian creative industry.
• Alice's curiosity about her place within the moving image world and nature can be further developed through discussions about cultural representations in art and media, and the importance of environmental conservation.

Engage Alice in hands-on activities related to animation and game development, such as coding or stop motion animation, to further explore her budding interests. Additionally, arranging trips to local nature reserves to enhance her understanding of our connection with nature and inviting local animators or game developers to share their experiences would be beneficial for her continued development.

Book Recommendations

• The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale: A fun and adventurous book that combines elements of nature and gaming, appealing to Alice's interests in both areas.
• Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling: An Origami Yoda Activity Book by Tom Angleberger: This interactive book combines art and creativity, providing opportunities for Alice to explore different art forms while having fun.
• Code This Game! by Meg Ray: This book can further inspire Alice's interest in game development by introducing her to the basics of coding and game design in a fun and interactive way.