Creating a mini Ned Kelly armour from a coke can

Art

• The child learned about sculpture and recycling by creating a mini Ned Kelly armor from a coke can.
• They explored different art techniques such as cutting, bending, and shaping the can to form the armor pieces.
• They experimented with painting or decorating the armor to add personal creativity and style.
• They developed an understanding of the historical significance of Ned Kelly and his iconic armor.

English Language Arts

• The child practiced descriptive writing by creating a written description of their mini Ned Kelly armor.
• They had the opportunity to research and gather information about Ned Kelly and the significance of his armor, enhancing their research skills.
• They may have written a short story or poem inspired by the legend of Ned Kelly and his armor.
• They developed communication skills by discussing and presenting their creation to classmates or family members.

History

• The child learned about Australian history and the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly by studying his iconic armor.
• They explored the social and cultural context of the time period in which Ned Kelly lived and the impact he had on Australian society.
• They gained an understanding of the significance of Ned Kelly's armor in his story and its representation of rebellion.
• They may have compared and contrasted the Ned Kelly armor with other forms of armor from different historical periods.

Math

• The child applied measurement and geometry skills by measuring and cutting the coke can to create the armor pieces.
• They practiced problem-solving skills by determining the dimensions and proportions needed for the mini armor to fit together correctly.
• They may have calculated the surface area of the armor pieces and discussed the concepts of area and perimeter.
• They explored symmetry and patterns in the design and construction of the armor.

For continued development related to this activity, encourage the child to explore other forms of sculpture using recycled materials. They can experiment with different techniques and materials to create unique artworks. They can also delve deeper into the history of Ned Kelly and Australian bushrangers, researching and writing more extensively about their lives and impact on Australian history.

Book Recommendations

• The Story of Ned Kelly by Richard Brassey: A comprehensive and engaging account of Ned Kelly's life and the events that led to his iconic armor.
• Turner by David Miller: A historical fiction novel set in Australia, featuring a young boy who discovers a hidden connection to Ned Kelly's legend.
• Ned Kelly and the Green Sash by Mark Greenwood: A picture book that tells the story of Ned Kelly through the eyes of a young girl who encounters him during his infamous last stand.