School Age Program builds 3-D art project Published Nov. 12, 2013 By Rebecca Amber Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., -- For the rest of November, Bldg. 3000 will be a little brighter. A display of 3-D art, "Recycling in the Land of Imagination," created by children at the School Age Program, is sitting in the lobby for visitors to enjoy. The art project depicts a medieval scene complete with a knight, princess, castle, moat and dragon. It was worked on by around 40 children over the course of the summer totaling around four months of work. "All of our projects here are based on the children's interest," said Kristen Burks, Training and Curriculum specialist at the School Age Program. She added that some of the children in the drama room have written a play using the same theme. Some of the larger pieces, like a throne and brick wall, that could not be taken to Bldg. 3000 will be used as sets in the play. While working on the project, the students studied medieval weaponry. Many even created their own cardboard bow and arrows, shields, swords, and armor. "We want to encourage creativity and using their imaginations, so we always try to work in some kind of educational component," said Burks. "This is a recreational program with an educational component. We want hands-on experiences that build on what they're doing in school. It's called an emergent curriculum and it teaches them that all of their ideas and interests are valued." The art work was made from recyclable materials like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles and paper. Then it was decorated with paint and glitter. "The toughest part was putting the head on the dragon," said Michelle Frevert, School Age Program assistant. "They were all able to participate when they wanted to and they gained historical knowledge during the project. I showed them a lot of pictures from that time because pictures can say a lot too."