A great way to learn
science, a 3D interactive TARDIS is shown lower down the
page...
Imagine a
space ship that can change shape so that passers-by will not see it as
out of place or anything strange.
Also imagine
that the outside appearance and size does not need to match the actual
size of the interior...it could be bigger on the inside than it is on
the outside!
Physics
teachers will not have to explain this to students when they learn it
is all make believe...part of the 'magic' and mystery surrounding the
scientist known only as 'the Doctor', a tourist of space and time.
The BBC
television programme 'Dr Who' has been around for almost 50
years. When the show first started, the idea of an everyday object of
the 60's, a phone box, as a disguise for an advanced time/space machine
would have saved thousands of pounds in special effects. The idea too
that, once it landed on Earth and took on this form, it became forever
stuck (the Chameleon circuit was damaged) was also very clever and a
cost saver.
With the
launch of the new Dr Who series in April of 2005, we decided we would
have a go at building or own life-size model of a Time and Relative
Dimensions in Space vehicle. Seen at the 2005 Careers Expo, it was an
instant hit, along with the Dalek, and for some, was the main reason
they came. Of great help was Bill Dunnington, who got us passed the
initial stages in getting the four main panels assembled so we could
finish of the detailing and painting.
Why
build a TARDIS?
New Zealand needs
to produce well-rounded scientists and technicians with good problem
solving skills. However, the recent Science Fair had few High School
age exhibitors, believed to be due to the impact of NCEA assessments
leaving little time for the development of practical skills. Christine
and Michael are encouraging students and teachers see that practical
skills and knowledge, including turning an idea into a reality, are as
important as the push to pass exams.
For many years
they have encouraged teachers, students and members of the general
public to become involved with hands-on stimulating Science activities,
such as the hugely successful CSI Forensics
workshops.
They believe anyone of any age can become an amateur scientist and
discover something new (past Nexus students have!) and have equipment
you can build
at home (along with other research)
on their award winning website.
Using popular
movies or TV shows as a theme can get students and teachers excited
about learning, not just for exams, but also to create something in the
real world. It would be great to see more entries in the Science Fair
in the coming years…even big toys like our Dalek!
The TARDIS
materialises just in time for the v48 hour film competition!
Daleks
roam Taranaki causing destruction and mayhem in this short film. Who
will protect the innocent? Where is the TARDIS now? The latest comedy
film by Jampot Productions in Taranaki won two local awards including
Audience Favourite with their V48 Hour Film Competition entry.
The
Photo Gallery
OK, here's the good
news...from show to show, season to season, there was no one plan or
model of Police Box the BBC stuck with. Depending on what broke in
transit or storage, you will find that the TARDIS, far from being stuck
in one particular form, actually varies quite a bit during the 40 or so
years since the series started. We used the Peter Brachacki plans as a
guide but came up with our own look-alike, depending on the materials
we could find and the short time frame to complete the project.
We think it looks
close enough to the "real" thing...
12th
July2005
work begins. Decking timber provides the corner posts to which 4 sheets
of plywood are screwed. The left and right panels are permanently
screwed to the posts, the front (with the door) and back panels come
off so the 4 sides can be easily transported. The roof slots down into
the panels and keeps the ply straight (it tends to warp). Two square
box frames were made up, one smaller than the other, to give the
appropriate roof profile. On top is a 12 volt xenon flasher unit.
27th
July: After a short delay, work
continues...perspex diffuser panels from a building recyclers yard were
great for the windows. We were going to cut out the ply in these places
so light from inside could shine out, but, as time was running out, we
skipped this for now. We left some dirt on the perspex to give the
TARDIS a weathered look.
What
colour is the TARDIS? Oxford Blue...it dries about two shades darker
than the colour in the tin. You may want to lighten it up a bit, but we
think it looks like the early 60's prop. Get a matt or low sheen
paint..we got low sheen and it looks fine.
We made a
fake cupboard door (where the 'Pull to Open' sign indicates) by making
a frame and placing two hinges in appropriate places.
The original
orange flasher lens on the xenon flasher unit is removed a replaced
with a plastic container lined with tracing paper. A base and top,
supported by four corner dowel pillars is assembled and painted.
18th-19th
August. Cut out and painted the
window frames and pushed into place. A very late night doing this!
Attached the 'POLICE BOX' signs with velcro dots so they can be removed
prior to disassembling and transporting the TARDIS. We intended making
proper boxes and cutting out the ply to let light from inside shine
out. Maybe later! By this stage we have yet to see the finished product
fully assembled and working. Fingers crossed it will work on the day!
August
19 2005. Setting up at the
Careers Expo...the four panels and roof box frames arrive pretty well
unscathed. The few scrapes and scratches, and dirt from the truck, add
to weathered look. It only took a few minutes to assemble and a DC
power adapter kept the light flashing. We had the TARDIS sound effect
on CD and looped that, along with the Dr Who theme, to good effect.
We were
pleased with how it looked...what would the public think?
August
21 and 22nd 2005. It was an
instant hit, along with the Dalek,
and for some, was the main reason they came. For others who didn't know
what it was, it served its other purpose very well...it made people
stop at the Science stand when they might have otherwise just walked on
by...some were willing to pay to go inside!
Jamie
never has to worry about running out of time for her Science Fair
projects
New Zealand built
TARDIS and Dalek -
star in Jampot Productions short film "Collision Course", made
for the 48 Hour Film competition
Conclusion:
New Zealand needs
to produce well-rounded scientists and technicians with good problem
solving skills. However, the recent Science Fair had few High School
age exhibitors, believed to be due to the impact of NCEA assessments
leaving little time for the development of practical skills.
Using popular
movies or TV shows as a theme can get students and teachers excited
about learning, not just for exams, but also to create something in the
real world. It would be great to see more entries in the Science Fair
in the coming years…even big toys like our
Dalek!
The
interactive TARDIS
console proved very popular!
Michael has been using Game Maker
to create
educational games and simulators
for many years. Science
simulators don't
have to be
boring either. A game based on the 'Dr Who' TV show involves being
inside a 3D TARDIS. Players can visit the Doctor's laboratory to learn
about astronomy, go to the library, or, for a break, evade Daleks and
Cybermen. It's all good fun and something that inspires students to
look at the science in a new way.
3D
virtual TARDIS -
an interactive science virtual laboratory for
teaching and
assessing science