What do you bring as a companion project

So you may remember seeing this little TARDIS in the background of our Dalek Project and it is actually one of the first projects for teaching kids about Doctor WHO. This is the "What do you bring the TARDIS? " Project and is a great introductory project to teach kids what the TARDIS is, who is the doctor, and what a companion is in the TARDIS.

How do you explain what a TARDIS is and the Doctor?

You can explain the TARDIS in several ways; one way would to be use the Narnia Wardrobe and explain how  the TARDIS, which is actually a space ship, is much bigger on the inside just like wardrobe in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The Doctor is this man who rides around in the box but if he's hurt he can simply Regenerate, explain by how he simply changes his face if he gets hurt.

The main focus of this project though is the collage you create on the inside of your TARDIS Box because from now in the art program I make the students my "companion" in this journey through time and space. I explain to my students what a companion is and that every companion has their own unique set of talents they bring. Inside of the box they're going to collage, or place drawings, inside of the box which demonstrate what they are good at and what they bring to the TARDIS.

I would suggest buying small party favors, or little bags of items for cake decorations, etc from thrift shops or hobby stores for the children to use. I simply used a clay sculpture, crayons, and other small items to represent my talents in art.

What materials do you need for this project and how do you make it?

I used a small cardboard box with a lid from Michaels, which is only $1, and painted the front in Ultramarine Blue, black and white to look like the TARDIS. This shouldn't take very long since you are only using three colors and painting on your squares and rectangles. If looking for the the top light, then I suggest using a   a top to a Go GO Squeeze Apple Sauce Pouch. Its the right shape and can easily glue onto the top of the box.

So there you guys have it! Your very own min TARDIS.

Daleks in Model Magic and introducing forms

One of the first lessons you learn in elementary school is about forms and it usually takes place within the first two months of school. 

What are forms? 

Forms are three dimensional objects but it is always referred to as a 3-D Shape. Putting the words 3D and Shape together is incorrect and it should be referred to as a 3D FORM. Shapes are flat and forms are in the round, meaning you can put your hands around then.  I'm a huge stickler for this in any classroom. 

This lesson you will be introducing two things to the students, one is the Doctor's greatest enemy and using forms to introduce making one. 

What will you need?  

Usually one package of crayola model magic will suffice. Usually it is more expensive to buy these small individual packages but they help when distributing clay equally in the classroom. (Also there is less complaining about little Johnny getting more clay then Susie.) 

How do you explain what a Dalek is and creating one from clay?

Well to explain what a dalek is to kids you can always use the Dalek Song. Its a little hard on the ears but it gives the kids an idea that these robots are bad things but we're going to create one to help own the idea of it that it cannot hurt us. 

How to create the Dalek... 

Breaking down a Dalek into its most simple pieces is fairly simple with model magic. You create several small flattened cylinders, several spheres, two cubes, and three cylinders. 

Make sure your kids follow you step by step and if you wish to add to the Dalek as you create it, simply color the model magic with crayola markers and knead the color in the clay. It will automatically color the clay and you don't have to wait until it dries to paint it 

Notes on the project: Downsides, Model Magic takes several days o dry if you live in a humid environment like the southern US. It took my Dalek almost 3 weeks to dry at home and if you have cats watch out. Apparently, model magic has a smell to it that cats LOVE. My own cat, Starbuck - yes she's named as the BSG character, attacked the clay Dalek several times. I think I may have found the Dalek's new greatest enemy - cats. 

Chris Hardwick says to get your companion

  Don't forget you can also make your little kiddos #newtowho with Art in a TARDIS.

Art in a TARDIS at Comics Cellar

 Art in a TARDIS is going to be Comics Cellar this October with our 5 week program. 

Welcome to Art in a TARDIS

Welcome everyone to art in a TARDIS!

What is a Art in a TARDIS? 

Art i a TARDIS is an art program that combines Doctor WHO with art education. The main focus is art but Doctor WHO is the vehicle that drives this program. We use clips, stills, and other things from the show to help students make their art. 

Where is it? 

Currently we're having our classes at Comics Cellar and the Collierville Community Center (we call it Art through Time and Space at non-nerdy venues). 

Who can join in? 

Anyone! Primarily our classes are for kids 8 through 12 years old but we encourage anyone to join in on our Timey Wimey adventures.