Submitted by Justin Kramer 
Unit: Sculpture - Ceramics - "self portrait" See Art Cars Traffic Jam
Lesson: Ceramic Art Cars with a message
Grade Level: High School (adaptable to middle school)

Looking at Justin's example, I am guessing this was presented as some kind of personal self portrait. Vicki (from Perth) knew the story right away! "For the  non-Australians, Queenslanders are known as banana benders and Queensland is known for its beaches, surf and the Great Barrier Reef (and bananas!)." Justin is from Brisbane, Queensland. A USA equivalent would be Florida. Yes there are a few panel vans! Justin's students have made Art Cars. Pieces have been fired and they have painted - embellished and decorated. Here is Justin's  demo as a guide. Glazing -underglazing or painting work great See  "Traffic Jam at International Art Car day." From Judy: Cars are hollow sculptures. My idea was to start with a corrugated cardboard shell and do draped slab over it. Remove the cardboard shell when clay is leather hard. You could also build more solid and hollow out from the bottom. Bisque fire slowly to insure success (low over night is even good for thicker sculptures).

From Vicki in Australia: For the US list members the bird sitting on top is a White Cockatoo, also called a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. According to 'What Bird is That?, 'they are found throughout the Australian mainland (except Western Australia, south of the Fitzroy River), King Island, and Tasmania. While the flock is feeding individual birds perch on the topmost branches of a high tree to act as sentinels, giving a shrill screech to warn the flock when an enemy approaches'. They are also great mimics and can even learn to mimic your voice - sometimes displaying a wicked sense of humour. My grandmother had one which would constantly call the dog - using her voice - and have the dog racing up and down the yard.

Click images for larger views.

See Makio Kawashima's site for an elementary lesson/sixth grade 
Makio Kawashima - Ecology Conscious Car