Sci-Fi/Steampunk Sculptures

Preparation
I launched a small Donor’s Choose campaign for small screwdrivers and other tools we needed to disassemble computers and recycled items. The goal was to have one mini Phillips-head screwdriver for each student because they were used the most.

To assemble the sculptures, I had hot glue, 527 glue, and duct tape available. Some students opted to use wire and tie components together.

I showed the class the following videos to build interest:

“Tour the Warehouse Containing Iconic Sci-Fi Props” (youtu.be/sJrrpAEbbmc)
“DIY Secret Sci-Fi Tech” (youtu.be/Z-iDiplbiF0)
“How to Make Sci-Fi Goggles: DIY Dollar Store Mashup Video” (youtu.be/uFdqP7ij7IY)

Exploration
For two or three days, students focused on disassembling all the items. I gave each student a bin or container, such as a shoebox, to store items they wanted to keep, and I set up some other boxes where they could donate unwanted items for others to use.

I discouraged students from focusing on one idea because it would stifle their work. For example, I had a student who wanted to make a robotic rabbit but did not have enough components to pull it off. She ended up creating a sci-fi cash register, which came out well, but she lost valuable time focusing on that rabbit.

Students will disassemble computers and technology equipment and recycle these materials into inventions that look as if they have a purpose that would fit into a sci-fi/steampunk universe (e.g., Cosmic Wave Generator, Wormhole Portal Projectors, Shield Generator, Voicebox Manipulator, Time Portal, futuristic medical device). Mechanisms should look like they have a specific function.

Items can be freestanding or wearable. Though many supplies will be provided, to exceed expectations, students should bring in old mechanical objects (nonfunctional radio, digital camera, CD/DVD player, etc.) or wearable objects (gloves, shoes, glasses, hats, etc.) to be altered into sci-fi objects. Though not necessary, battery-operated lights can also be incorporated, but nothing that can be plugged in. Guns or weapons of any kind are not permitted. For safety reasons, DO NOT open batteries or computer screens as they can contain toxic components. When in doubt, ask.

This assignment will conclude with a written component. A title will be translated into Latin, and your description will be entered into csgenerator.com (Complex Sentence Generator) to make it sound more futuristic or otherworldly. This description will be printed and displayed with your work.

Assembly
I had stations set up around the room for students to assemble their sculptures: a hot-glue area, tape area, spray booth, painting table, etc. Some students added patinas to their work to give it an old or worn appearance. Acrylic modeling paste and watercolor friskets worked great for this purpose. This was also an opportunity for me to clean out shelves with items I had no idea what I was going to do with.

Students found uses for almost everything. Imaginations ran wild. In the end, students explored recycling, engineering, reinforced their literacy skills, and created sculptures that had the whole school talking. It was a fun experience!