Mariner Seventh-Graders Bring World Landmarks to Life Through Engineering and Stop-Motion Animation

Students in Mr. Brian Murphy’s seventh-grade CAP (Cape Accelerated Program) class at Mariner Middle School recently demonstrated impressive creativity and engineering skills by constructing scale models of famous landmarks from around the world. The project included iconic structures such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Twin Towers, the Great Pyramid, and the Eiffel Tower.

The hands-on assignment challenged students to apply principles of design, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving as they carefully recreated these landmarks in miniature form. By working with a variety of materials, students developed models that reflected attention to detail, structural integrity, and artistic interpretation.

Once their models were complete, students took their creations to the next level by using LEGO bricks and stop-motion animation to produce short videos. These stop-motion projects brought their architectural designs to life, combining engineering, art, and technology in a fun and engaging way. The activity allowed students to explore storytelling, sequencing, and animation techniques while showcasing the landmarks they had built.

“Projects like this give students the opportunity to think creatively while applying practical skills,” said Mr. Brian Murphy. “They learn how to plan, build, and problem-solve, all while exploring some of the most famous structures in the world. It’s exciting to see their designs come to life through stop-motion videos, it really makes learning interactive and memorable.”

Through innovative, hands-on projects like this, Mr. Murphy’s CAP class continues to inspire students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and explore the intersection of engineering, design, and technology, preparing them with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.