Toy Hacking
Want to make a Barbie-robo-chicken?
What is toy hacking? In this program we teach how to take apart old, broken toys and refashion them into fantastic creations. Imagination is on full display as marvellous creatures emerge from a box of disused parts.
The art of repair. Aside from the creativity of making imaginative creations, learning the tools and techniques of toy hacking sets participants on a lifetime path of repairing and repurposing objects and clothing.
Confidence with tools. Participants use common household tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, glue-guns and sewing needles. They build tool-literacy, an excellent life skill that fosters self-reliance and the DIY spirit.
Recycle your old toys.
All materials are provided (including toy parts) but we encourage participants to bring in their own broken or discarded toys, such as stuffies, dolls, Barbies, figurines, or plastic toys. Do NOT bring in vintage toys or toys with sentimental value.
Curriculum notes
Appropriate to their age and dance abilities, students may be instructed in:
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- • Learning how to use tools like screw drivers and pliers.
- • Basic sewing techniques.
- • Using the glue gun to piece together broken toys.
- • Removing factory paint from plastic toys.
- • Taking apart a toy and sketching the parts.
- • Everything is alive activity—creating characters from everyday objects.
All equipment provided.
Available as Lunch and After-School Programs
Our Clubs are run as extracurricular programming in schools across the Greater Toronto Area. With exciting subjects, engaging instructors, and hands-on activities, this program offers educational experiences beyond the school curriculum. Learn more>
Available as In-Class Enrichment
This program (delivered in-school, during class time) has been designed to supplement and extend Ontario school curriculum. Our experiential mode of instruction brings unique activities into any classroom, resulting in meaningful and memorable learning outcomes. Learn more>
Flexible program delivery
Our Lunch and Afterschool Clubs are typically run as three to eight-week programs, but we also offer one-off presentations, including half-day or full-day activities.
Our In-Class Enrichment programs are tailored to suit the particular needs of any given classroom and school budget and can be presented as half-day, full-day, multiple-day, or weekly activities.
Grade 3 to grade 8.
Available in English and French.
