Stop motion video is an interesting tool to motivate students.  We made one in class.  We used LEGO men, play dough and a table outside with a big camera and a tripod.  We created a little story and had the LEGO men tell the story.  The still camera takes a picture and then we move the LEGO men and take another picture. The entire movie is made one picture at a time.  Everything was assembled and narrated with MovieMaker. The end product is new and different and requires artistic ability.  Here is one example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qBjLW5_dGAM

This type of video could be used to write stories, show historical events, demonstrate science principles. With the narration, it could be used to learn a second language as well.

There are ipad applications that can make stop motion videos:

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/03/8-great-ipad-apps-for-creating-stop.html

I have used IMotion HD on the ipad.  It is very easy to use since the camera is integrated with the application.  The time lapse between each picture can be adjusted to be .25 second to 1 day, or it can be manual.  It gives the ability to watch natural processes, for example the movement of the sun, the change of seasons, the growth of a plant.  I made one showing the ice passing by the St-Laurence river in the Spring.