Picasso Cow FAQs
How often does the Discover Dairy Picasso Cows program run?
Our program currently runs twice in a school year, once in Term 2 and once again in Term 3.
How many schools part take in a term?
This is dependent on how many cows we have available. Currently the program is offered to about 40 schools per term.
What is the registration process?
- Fill out the Expressions of interest form. (Due to the high volume of interest and the limited number of cows, not all schools will be guaranteed a spot for the term, we will ensure to keep you on our list for our nearest available spot.)
- Email of offer and registration form – To accept your position please ensure to fill out the registration form and accept the terms and conditions.
- Delivery Payment – you will receive instructions to make the delivery payment. This needs to be completed prior to delivery date.
- Confirmation of delivery date and login details to the Discover Dairy Picasso Cow online teacher dashboard
- Cow delivered and program begins
How long will the project take?
The project is designed to take 8 – 10 weeks from cow delivery to sending us your pictures and learning journal. Of course, you can complete the program faster if you like. As you complete each program milestone in the Picasso Cows online teacher dashboard, you will unlock the next step of the process. Don’t forget to submit your learning journal and imagery by the allocated submission date.
Which year groups can participate in the project?
The program is open to all year groups in primary, from kindergarten up to year 6. We encourage teachers to tailor their content to their year group to address the appropriate curriculum outcomes.
How many students can be involved?
There is no limit to the number of students involved within the program. It can be on class or the whole school. We have had several schools, where all students within the school have been involved in the program, from the cow naming stage to the final cow reveal at school assembly.
Are there specific geographical locations that the programs run in?
The number of schools on the waiting list (and their geographical locations) will determine the areas that the program/s will run in. For example, if there is a large cohort of interested schools for Term 2 situated in VIC and NSW, then the program will be centred around those states in order to streamline logistics.
Are there any costs involved in the program?
Whilst the program itself is free, schools are expected to cover a small fee of $300 +GST to deliver their cow. This payment will need to be made via credit card, prior to program commencement.
What happens if we don’t start the program, or paint the cow in the allocated time frame?
Of course, we know how busy a school term can be, and we understand that things can change. However, Dairy Australia has a long line of schools waiting to participate in the popular Discover Dairy Picasso Cows program, and we want to make sure we can offer this to as many schools as possible. The ‘progress check-in' milestone is an opportunity for schools to showcase their cow preparation and is an important time to demonstrate how the school is progressing. It is at this time that Dairy Australia may determine, if a school hasn’t commenced the cow preparation or painting, that they are in a position to pass on the cost of the cow to the school ($890 +GST), to enable the program to be offered to another school who has expressed interest.
What opportunities do we have for extension activities?
Extension activities can be carried out throughout the program, addressing student needs and interests both before, during and after completion. Below are some suggestions to consider:
Family and community activities
- Have a dairy themed dress up day at school.
- Hold a milkshake making day.
- Hold a formal assembly unveiling the Picasso Cow for parents, teachers and students.
- Get students to undertake an audit of the dairy foods in their lunchbox or fridge at home.
- Develop dairy recipes in class with students and get them to make them at home.
- Invite a guest speaker to the school to talk about the health benefits of dairy foods such as a dentist, dietitian or GP (sometimes these might be parents at the school).
Farmer and industry activities
- Visit a dairy farm or manufacturer.
- Have a dairy farmer visit the school.
- Invite a dairy producer to the school and possibly do a demonstration or taste test.
- Interview someone from the dairy industry via Skype, over the phone or through email.
How can we include students with extra learning needs?
Similarly to the extension activities above, we recommend that teachers use differentiation and a range of teaching techniques to support all levels of learners in the class.
How big is the cow?
The cow is (almost) life size. The dimensions are:
- Length: 185cm
- Width: 55cm
- Height: 116cm
- Weight: 25kg
When do we receive the cow, and can we keep it?
When you have registered your school and the delivery fee has been paid, we will send you an email with confirmation of your cow delivery details. Once the program is complete schools, can keep the cow and display it however you like.
How do I move my cow around?
Most schools create a mobile base to help move the cow around. Using the below materials, you can create an easy, cost effective base made from wood, with castors or wheels bolted to the base. You should be able to source these materials from your local hardware store.
- 4 x wheels / castors
- 1 x piece 1200 x 596 x 18mm plywood (fits cow and will also fit on the back seat of any car)
- 1 x screwdriver (to attach the wheels to plywood base)
Does the cow need to be bolted into the ground?
It is completely up to you and your school’s requirements.
What is the cow made from?
The cow is made from fibreglass and they arrive at your school with a white base primer all prepared for you and your students to paint on.
What paint should we use to paint our Picasso Cow?
Your cow will come pre-primed and ready to go. We would recommend painting them in an exterior water-based acrylic. It has less smell, easy to clean up, very durable and can be purchased from any paint store.
Should we paint the cow with a protective coat?
No, it is not necessary, however if your cow is living outdoors and you wish to give it that extra protection, you can use a clear coat. We do recommend talking to your paint supplier who will be able to recommend a clear coat to suit your chosen paint.
Does it have to be painted?
No, you can decorate your cow in any way you like. We have had schools mosaic their cow before and even use paper mache. Anything goes!
How do I submit my learning journal?
Learning journals can be submitted via the Discover Dairy Picasso Cows online teacher dashboard. The learning journal should be submitted as a PowerPoint, PDF or mp4 file. It can include media types (e.g. videos, songs, interviews etc), however it cannot not exceed 100 megabytes.
How many photos can I upload to support my submissions?
Learning journals can be submitted via the Discover Dairy Picasso Cows online teacher dashboard. The learning journal should be submitted as a PowerPoint, PDF or mp4 file. It can include media types (e.g. videos, songs, interviews etc..). However, please keep in mind it cannot not exceed 100 megabytes.