Aesthetic education in higher education is facing unprecedented development opportunities in the new era. Universities of science and engineering have advantages in their unique disciplinary structure, teaching mode, rich educational concepts, technology and resources, but they also encounter challenges and problems in aesthetic education. This article explores the role of animation as an emerging technology and art creation in the innovative aesthetic education practice. Based on the specific practice of the short animation film “Liu Zhanen” in University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, this paper probes into the characteristics and effects of animation art form in the practice of aesthetic education in science and engineering universities.