The Making ProjectThese project resources are freely available teaching materials for Design & Technology teaching across the curriculum.
In Year 4 the introduction to electric circuits can be experimental and fun. I like to start by making a simple torch with an LED and a flat button type battery. This creates the idea of a circuit, so to progress from there I give out a whole range of switches that all work differently […]
This cams project was originally linked to the Knights of the Round Table, where the basic cuboid became a castle and the knights were moving with the cams on the battlements. With a few changes this could be linked to literacy and illustrating a story of anywhere that movement can be used, by attaching a geared motor and battery pack these models make a fantastic display.
Year 1 students study ‘Night and Day’ and ‘Mini-beasts’. This can provide an opportunity to look at other wildlife such as birds. This project is often linked to the Bug Tower project and so both projects can happen together. This is a great project for teaching the students to use the saws, bench hooks and Lynks jigs for the first time.
The truck is a great project for the students to use the joiner jigs to make a simple frame and then turn it into a vehicle that can be powered with an elastic band and a balloon. This links to the science of stored energy, potential energy and good and bad friction
Linking to the science topic of mini-beasts the students build a tower which can be ‘planted’ in the school grounds for the mini-beasts to inhabit. Once they have constructed the basic frame, the students can design the outer shell and the insides for the mini-beasts to inhabit.
The Moon Buggy project is linked to the Year 5 science topic of the Solar System. So there is plenty of opportunity to discuss the surface of the moon and the problems that a buggy might encounter. The brief can be to look at speed, climbing ability, strength, or to house two astronauts and the incorporate a movement from a cam.
Design and make a model of a fairground ride that will be an exciting ride for all ages. It will use gears to create interesting movements and will be powered by an electric motor.
Intro para List of resources Consumables Coloured card Squared paper Equipment Long tape measure Clip board Scale ruler The Swimming Pool Project This was initially set as an architectural competition linked to the Open House London event. The idea was to give the students a chance to look at a real site, make a site […]