Canva Classroom Recipe: 3D hologram magic with animation

Jo Muirhead is Australia’s first Canva Learning Consultant, dedicated to empowering educators and students through the power of visual communication. With over 20 years of teaching experience in Australian primary schools, Jo has most recently specialized in technology and eLearning integration. As one of the original Canva Creators, Jo has contributed more than 7,000 templates to Canva’s education library; resources that have been used over 22 million times worldwide! Jo’s mission is simple: to inspire innovative teaching and learning through the magic of Canva Education.

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Activity overview

Get creative with Canva Education on your next STEM lesson, suitable for students of all ages! In this activity, students will design and build their own DIY hologram projectors using transparent plastic sheets and project their Canva animation via a smart device. This activity links Science, Digital and Design Technologies, and Media Arts to show how light, technology, and storytelling can come together in creative ways.

The magic happens when students see their digital creations literally leap off the screen into three-dimensional space. The hologram pyramid becomes a conversation starter that students proudly share with family and friends, extending learning beyond the classroom.

Quick snapshot:

• Grade Level: 3-6
• Subject: STEM, Arts, Technology/Computer Science
• Duration: 1-3 class periods (approximately 2 hours total)

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how light behaves through reflection and refraction
• Use digital tools and materials to build a working hologram projector
• Create simple animations or moving images to display through the hologram, using principles from Media Arts

Preparation

Essential Canva features:

• Animated element library with search functionality
• Access to Jo's hologram template⁠(opens in a new tab or window) for construction guidance
• Background and transparency options for optimal hologram display
• QR code generator for sharing hologram animation
• Export settings optimized for video playback on devices

Requirements:

• Access to Canva Education accounts for all students (see how below)
• Tablets or laptops with good display quality for hologram projection
• Materials: thermal binding covers (recommended) or clear plastic sheets for pyramid construction, scissors, marking pen, tape and ruler for precise measurements
• Dark room or dimmed lighting for optimal hologram viewing

Time allocation:

• Class period 1: Introduction to holograms and animated element selection (40 minutes)
• Class period 2: Engineering and constructing hologram pyramids using template (40 minutes)
• Class period 3: QR code creation, testing, and showcase (40 minutes)

Step by step implementation

Step 1: Understanding holograms and planning animations

Begin with the "wow factor" by demonstrating a completed hologram projection to capture student interest and curiosity. Explain the science behind how holograms work - light reflection and refraction creating the illusion of 3D objects floating in space. Students then brainstorm and sketch ideas for their animations, considering that simple, bold movements work best for hologram projection. Encourage designs with clear shapes, bright colors, and movements that will look impressive when floating in 3D space. Students could even record themselves for their own personalised hologram.

Step 2: Selecting animated elements and creating QR codes

Students create a blank presentation in Canva and search for animated elements in the element library. Demonstrate how to filter search results to show only animated options - these pre-made animations are perfect for hologram projection as they're designed with movement and bright colors. Once students have arranged their animated elements, they use Canva's QR code generator⁠(opens in a new tab or window) to create a QR code that links directly to their hologram animation. This QR code becomes the bridge between their digital creation and the physical hologram display, allowing easy access and sharing.

Step 3: Engineering the hologram pyramid with thermal binding covers

This is where STEM skills truly come alive! Using Jo's template⁠(opens in a new tab or window) as a guide, students trace and cut thermal binding covers (which work better than regular plastic due to their flexibility and optical clarity) into four identical isosceles triangles. Students learn about geometric precision as they follow the template's measurements and tape the triangles together to form a pyramid with the top point cut off. This step requires fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving as students troubleshoot assembly challenges. Discuss why the angles must be exact for the hologram effect to work properly.

Step 4: Testing and optimization

Students scan their Canva-generated QR code using a device to display their animated hologram content, then place their thermal binding cover pyramid upside down on the screen. In dimmed lighting, the animation appears to float in 3D space above the pyramid. This testing phase allows students to fine-tune both their animation selection and pyramid positioning. Students engage in iterative design thinking, adjusting element choices or pyramid placement until achieving optimal hologram results.

Common challenges and solutions: Students often struggle with pyramid construction precision - provide templates and emphasize the importance of exact angles and measurements. Ensure that folds are made neatly, tightly and firmly so pyramid stands strong without tipping. If holograms appear dim or unclear, guide students to adjust their animation colors (brighter colors against black backgrounds work best) and ensure viewing in appropriate lighting conditions. Students may need to view from lower angle - laying on floor or kneeling on floor and viewing from table-top so that eyes are at same level as animation projection.

Assessment and showcase ideas

Presentation approach:

Create a "Hologram Science Fair" where students set up stations with their working holograms in a darkened classroom. Visitors rotate through stations to experience each hologram while students explain both the science behind the illusion and their creative design choices. Include a "Future Applications" discussion where students brainstorm how hologram technology might be used in various fields.

Marking rubric:

• Scientific vocabulary and understanding (25%): Accurate use of scientific terms including light source, reflection, and refraction when explaining the hologram effect
• Engineering and safe construction (25%): Functioning hologram projector constructed safely and carefully using Jo's template with precise measurements
• Animation design for 3D display (25%): Short, effective animation or looping video created using Canva's animated elements, designed specifically for optimal 3D visual display
• Media Arts concepts application (25%): Demonstrates understanding of movement, timing, and audience engagement principles in animation selection and presentation

Reflection prompts:

• How did creating a physical pyramid change the way you thought about your digital animation?
• What engineering challenges did you face during construction and how did you solve them?
• How might hologram technology be used in the future for education, entertainment, or other fields?
• What connections do you see between the digital skills and engineering skills you used in this project?

Differentiating this recipe to suit your classroom

To challenge students:

Advanced learners can move beyond using pre-made animated elements to create their own custom animations using Canva's create an animation feature. They can learn animation principles like timing, loops, and coordinated movement to design original content specifically optimized for hologram projection.

To make this activity easier:

For younger students or those needing extra support, provide pre-cut pyramid templates and focus more heavily on the animation creation aspect. Consider allowing collaborative groups where students can divide tasks between animation creation and pyramid construction. Provide step-by-step visual guides for both the digital and physical construction processes.

To flex this recipe for different subject areas:

• Science classes can create animations demonstrating scientific processes like cell division, planetary motion, or molecular behavior, using the hologram effect to make abstract concepts more concrete and engaging.
• Mathematics students might animate geometric transformations, fraction concepts, or mathematical sequences that benefit from 3D visualization.
• Language arts students might create character animations or story elements that pop off the page, making literature more immersive and engaging.
• Performing Arts students can video themselves dancing and make a holograph animation of themselves using Background Remover

Ready to get started?

Start by demonstrating a simple hologram with a basic animation to spark student curiosity, then have them focus on creating one successful animation before attempting more complex designs.

Share your students' incredible hologram creations by tagging @CanvaEdu on X or posting them in the Facebook Teachers Community⁠(opens in a new tab or window). We'd love to see these magical 3D learning experiences come to life!

Ready to create your own classroom recipe? Submit your innovative Canva classroom activities⁠(opens in a new tab or window) and you could be the next to be featured!