Activity

To create a 3D box diorama that portrays an impression of life on the gold fields of Ballarat in the middle of the last century. The activity should be given as a cooperative group project with the base being made by some children while the details are produced by others.

At CSF level 3 it is unnecessary to have everything made to scale.

Materials and Equipment:

Cardboard carton	Newspaper	Tape	Paper mache
Paste	Cardboard Scraps	Small Boxes	Scissors
Small Beads	Pipe Cleaners	Small Twigs	Matches
Satay Sticks	Thin String	Calico	Low melt glue gun
Paint	Brushes	Gold pen or paint

Key Learning Areas	Curriculum Focus	Learning Outcomes
SOSE Exploring natural and social systems	To use a 3D art form to explore ideas, observations and experiences. To work independently and in groups on a range of tasks involving the manipulation of materials, techniques and processes.   To recognise the possibilities and limitations of different media.   To make and observe art works which address particular subject matter.	To make a 3 D art work that expresses thoughts and observations.   To include detailed observation in an art work.   To use a variety of art elements to tell a story.   To use suitable materials, tools and techniques to produce an art work.   To work in a group to make art works on a particular theme.
Mathematics Estimating and measuring
Health Exploring human relationships, attitudes and behavior
Science Structure properties and uses of materials
Technology Properties of materials and systems

Method

Make a cut about a quarter of the way down the sides of the front panel of the carton and fold down towards the back.

Draw the mine shafts on this front panel and cut out, cutting out a small section of the folded back section to make the mouth of the mine. Screw up some newspaper and press it along the cut out sections then from the inside of the box, tape thick strips of newspaper over it.

Lightly fill the carton with screwed up newspaper, then fold back the top flap and tape down to form a closed box with the side and back panels slightly higher than the front. Remove the screwed up paper from the mine shafts.

Tape areas of screwed up newspaper over the top of the box to form the contours of the diggings landscape, (not too hilly and including a creek). Trim the side and back panel to enhance the landscape. Paste one or two layers of paper mache over the top and front panel. Allow to dry then paint. Add gold veins to front panel across mine shafts.

Make small models to complete the diorama.