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      Keyframe animation and parenting objects

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create an animation using keyframes.

      Key learning points

      1. Keyframes are used to make animations.
      2. A timeline is used to sequence an animation.
      3. 3D models and objects should be given suitable names.
      4. Objects can be combined by parenting.

      Keywords

      • Timeline - a visual representation of time on which frames can be sequenced

      • Keyframe - a marker that captures the most important positions or states of an object

      • Tweening - the process of automatically generating frames between two points

      • Parenting - the process of nesting objects within other objects

      Common misconception

      Every frame of an animation needs to be created by the animator.

      Most modern animations are created using tweening. Tweening creates the frames between keyframes and stitches them together. This reduces the time taken to create animations and can improve quality.

      Teacher tip

      Blender resources have been provided should learners wish to use them. Encourage learners to explore the tools and environment within Blender to develop confidence and skills.

      Equipment

      Pupils will need access to a device that can create and edit 3D animations. Examples in this lesson use the Blender https://oak.link/blender

      File needed for this lesson

      L2 SnowsceneExample 1.15 MB (BLEND)

      Download this file to use in the lesson.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which shortcut key can be used to delete an object in Blender?

      I
      Z
      Correct answer: X
      D

      Q2.
      The process used to increase or decrease the size of an object is known as __________.

      moving
      rotating
      Correct answer: scaling
      adding

      Q3.
      A can be added to a model to change its appearance.

      Correct Answer: material

      Q4.
      The three axes used in 3D modelling are usually referred to as:

      A, B, C
      1 ,2, 3
      Correct answer: X, Y, Z

      Q5.
      Different model views can be accessed through the __________ settings.

      timeline
      Correct answer: viewport
      scene collection

      Q6.
      The process used to spin 3D objects around an axis or centre point is know as __________.

      Correct answer: rotating
      moving
      scaling
      selecting

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      is the process of capturing still images that can be replayed to create the illusion of movement.

      Correct Answer: Animation, Animating

      Q2.
      What is added to a timeline to capture the position of an object when animating?

      tweening
      renaming
      parenting
      material
      Correct answer: keyframe

      Q3.
      is used to automatically generate frames in between keyframes.

      Correct Answer: Tweening

      Q4.
      The process of nesting objects within other objects is know as ...

      renaming
      tweening
      rendering
      Correct answer: parenting

      To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Keyframe animation and parenting objects, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...