You want us to do WHAT??!
When we tell the kids that the first step is “please break these toys” we get bewildered looks just before the excitement and enthusiasm creeps in. In this program we deconstruct salvaged toys — even working ones — and upcycle them into something new and awesome. The goal is simple: Invent some new characters for a story, movie, book, play or video the students can tell after the hacking is complete. Some students also go on to create props, sets and other things to help with their narrative.
As our most free-form program the kids learn a wide variety of things and almost never the same thing twice. We work with scissors, screw drivers, hand saws, cordless drills and hot glue to invent the next best-selling toy characters.
Each group is between 22-30 kids and takes 90-120 minutes plus the safety lesson.
Prices begin at $349/group*
Ontario Curriculum Intersections:
This program can be adapted to emphasize or demonstrate learning objectives in the following broad categories:
Visual Arts
Sculpture, mixed media and general creativity
Properties of different materials including glue, wood, plastic & fabric
Science & Engineering
Creating strong mechanical joints
Disassembly and tool use
Discovering internal structures like axles, hinges, buttons and gears
Environment
Recycling materials into new objects
Repairing existing objects instead of re-purchasing
Variations in the materials used to build things for posterity
Others
Language: Discussion and story telling relating to creations
*All programs are subject to HST. Locations outside of Waterloo Region also require a travel fee. Discounts for multiple classes are no longer available due to increasing costs.