Pretend to be a Time Traveler
“Let’s be Wibbly-Wobbly, Timey–Whimey, not to mention Fantastic, for a day!” Quote from the BBC TV Doctor Who. There is a video on YouTube of a character uttering this statement.
Cosplay Through the Ages
Cosplay is a shortened form of two words—costume and play. It is the practice of portraying a fictional character and identifying as that character while in costume. Based on the popular TV series Doctor Who, invite the women to come in a costume as a historical figure. Ask them to be prepared with a three–sentence reason why this character inspires them. The leader of this program could be Doctor Who. Use a TARDIS for a Cosplay Photo Opportunity. A large cardboard box will work well.
Major Historical Events Trivia
This is a Jeopardy style game using world–changing events. Following are some sample questions:
US History Questions
- This battle led by General George Washington turned the tide toward an American victory during the Revolutionary War. Valley Forge
- Thomas Jefferson doubled the size of the United States with this purchase through shrewd negotiations. Louisiana Purchase
- Robert Oppenheimer, along with several international scientists, gathered for this project during World War II to create the ultimate weapon in warfare, which was used on Japan to end the war. The Manhattan Project
- This conflict led to a generational catch phrase of “Make love, not war.” Vietnam Conflict
- President Abraham Lincoln delivered this famous speech during the Civil War, providing hope, motivation, and encouragement to the Union Army. Gettysburg Address
World History Questions
- This one event in the Middle East has changed the way the world marks time, giving us the BC and AD eras. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
- On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther changed the course of the Church and gave birth to the Protestant movement by doing this. Nailing his 95 Thesis to the door
- In 1914 Archduke Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated sparking this conflict known around the world. World War I
- In a New England harbor in 1773, a group of rebels held this event making the colonists’ intentions clear regarding Britain. Boston Tea Party
- On the Ides of March 44 BC this leader of Rome was assassinated by his own Senate as a precursor event to the fall of Rome. Julius Caesar
Literature Questions
- George Orwell wrote this dystopian novel describing a gender–neutral world without emotion and a people that only knew good facts as told by the media and government. 1984
- Written by the ancient Chinese military strategist, Sun Tzu, this book revolutionized military strategy and training throughout history and is still used today to train American soldiers. The Art of War
- Before this translation was published by England in 1611, the public did not have access to the Bible. King James Version
- World War II held many horrors, and none as evident as the Holocaust. This novel brought humanity to the many victims and helped future generations see the individuals involved. Diary of Anne Frank
- This epic poem, which takes the reader on a journey through Heaven and Hell, meeting memorable characters along the way, has changed the perspectives on life and death since 1321. Dante’s Inferno
A Ripple in the Pond
What is one thing we can do to change the world today? Using current events and current mindsets of Americans as a whole, what are some simple ways we can change our families, neighborhoods and churches for the better? This is not meant to be a service project but an individual challenge to be creative and proactive in our world.
Tapestry
What would happen if one event in history were changed? Can you imagine a world where Hitler was killed in battle during WWI? Or Penicillin was never discovered? Or Julius Caesar died an old man? History is made of small moments strung together to make the tapestry of our world. If we change one event/outcome, there is a ripple effect that unravels that tapestry and changes the present, as we know it.
If we could jump in the TARDIS (The TARDIS is a fictional time machine and spacecraft that appears in the British science fiction television program Doctor Who) and change one moment in our lives, how would it affect the present? Encourage the women to think of an example and then share it. Would we be better people? Or would there have been something worse? In life we have good times and bad times. But we cannot erase the bad and assume everything will be better. We learn and grow from the pain. We can rejoice and find rest in in the sovereignty of God.
Science fiction, including Doctor Who, has shown audiences what could happen when people change the timeline. Most characters think they are helping, but in the end, they have to reset the events because it caused horrible consequences to the whole world—or universe. The important thing to remember is that God can see the past, present and future. He knows what is best for us. He guides us in the way we should go. Because God has worked in the lives of His people, we are the right people, in the right place, at the right time, to do the right thing if we are paying attention.
Quotes from Doctor Who
“You don’t just give up. You don’t just let things happen. You make a stand! You say no! You have the guts to do what’s right, even when everyone else just runs away!” Rose Tyler
“In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important.” The Doctor
“We all change, when you think about it. We’re all different people all through our lives. And that’s okay, that’s good, you’ve got to keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be.” The Doctor
“Together, or not at all.” Amy Pond
