Tech Tools for Teachers PODCAST

Pixar in a Box

September 22, 2025

Promotional graphic for Episode 217 of the Tech Tools for Teachers podcast featuring the Pixar in a Box resource. The image shows host Shanna Martin smiling against a blue plaid background. Text on the graphic reads “Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast,” “Episode 217,” and “Pixar in a Box.”

Hey teachers! Episode 217 of the Tech Tools for Teachers Podcast spotlights Pixar in a Box, a collaboration between Pixar and Khan Academy that brings real animation workflows into your classroom, complete with standards, lesson plans, videos, and hands-on activities.

Pixar in a Box

Promotional image from Pixar’s website for Pixar in a Box. The scene shows WALL·E, the animated robot character, centered on a city rooftop with large buildings in the background. The text “PIXAR IN A BOX” is overlaid, with a play button and link to watch the feature video below.creenshot of the Pixar in a Box course homepage on Khan Academy. The left sidebar lists units such as “Orientation,” “The art of storytelling,” and “The art of lighting.” The main section features the Pixar in a Box logo with the iconic Pixar lamp and ball, alongside a description explaining the program’s behind-the-scenes look at Pixar’s animation process.

Pixar in a Box connects art, math, computer science, and design through bite-sized lessons students can follow at their own pace or together as a class. You’ll find teacher guides, transcripts, and built‑in checks for understanding—plus easy sharing to Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams.

Why I like it:

  • Career connections students actually care about (story, rigging, lighting, rendering, cameras—behind-the-scenes at Pixar!).
  • Math meets artistry: linear interpolation, curves, and more—explained with approachable visuals.
  • Teacher-ready: educator guides, NGSS/Common Core tie‑ins, and leveled activities.
  • Flexible use: whole-class demos, enrichment, clubs, or challenges for early finishers.
  • Click‑to‑try interactives: practice animation concepts right in the browser.

Getting there:

  • Overview & intro video: pixar.com/pixar-in-a-box
  • Full course on Khan Academy: khanacademy.org/computing/pixar

Pro tip: Even if you don’t run the full unit, the short videos make excellent lesson hooks or discussion starters about the mix of creativity and technical thinking.

Related throwbacks: If your students love comics and animation, revisit our older episode Episode 32 where we discussed comic/animation creation tools. (As always, review current site content for age appropriateness.)

Go educate and innovate!

— Shanna

TECH MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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