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Structures

Key Stage 1

In the Early Years children will have explored making different structures using a range of materials. In Key Stage 1 children build upon these experiences by making frame structures and begin to explore how structures can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable. They do this through one of three projects:

  • Design and make a Model Playground

  • Design and make a Model Treehouse

  • Design and make a Model Monkey Enclosure

Model Treehouse           Model Playground          Monkey Business

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Lower Key Stage 2

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In Lower Key Stage 2 children are introduced to shell structures. They learn that the properties of shell structures depend upon their shape and the materials that they are made from. Children design and make a desk tidy by combining several different shell structures on to a base and using a range of techniques to strengthen and decorate their product. This unit of work is used to introduce children to computer-aided designing using TinkerCAD.

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When children design and make a photograph frame they are learning how to combine and join different materials to make a structure that can stand upright and display a photograph. They also learn about how products can be designed and decorated to match a particular theme or for a special occasion. This unit also provides opportunities for children to apply different decorative and finishing techniques.

Photograph Frames

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In Lower Key Stage 2 children have the opportunity to consolidate and deepen their understanding of frame structures. They use computer-aided design to help them design and make a product based on a complex framework. Children extend their knowledge of how to make structures stronger, stiffer and stabler when making either a miniature greenhouse or an animal home for the garden. Versions of these units without CAD are also available to purchase.

      Garden Escapes              Mini Greenhouse

Shadow puppets is an exciting project that covers a range of learning in design technology and also offers children the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding from science lessons. Children design and make a wooden framed shadow puppet theatre to present a play for their frames. Children learn how the properties of materials are important when making a product and how an simple electrical system can be incorporated into a product. When making a movable puppet, children learn how a simple linkage hinge system can be used to create moving arms and legs.

Shadow Puppet Theatre

Desk Tidy

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Temple Marble Run

In Upper Key Stage 2 children have the opportunity to bring together their knowledge, skills and understanding about structures and cardboard engineering to create a marble run toy product. The product is themed around adventure heroes such as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft. This can be linked to cross-curricular learning about Ancient Egypt or Ancient Greece.

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Temple Marble Run

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