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      Construct a paradise island base

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can construct an island base using recycled materials.

      Key learning points

      1. Collaboration is an important part of building large-scale artworks.
      2. Sculptors use different materials like cardboard and tape to build frameworks.
      3. Collaboration helps manage big tasks like constructing a group sculpture.
      4. A base provides support for a sculpture.

      Keywords

      • Base - the bottom of something that everything else sits on

      • Construct - to build something using materials

      • Collaborate - working together and sharing ideas to make something as a team

      Common misconception

      Students may not consider how materials are joined together.

      When constructing a structure, we must think carefully about how they are joined together.

      Teacher tip

      The teacher may wish to model how to scrunch and layer newspaper or cut flaps in cardboard to create curves or attach parts.

      Equipment

      drawn island plan, recycled materials such as cardboard, newspaper and egg cartons and tape.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What does "invent" mean when creating your paradise island?

      To copy someone else's drawing
      Correct answer: To create something new from your imagination
      To colour neatly inside the lines
      To use only one colour

      Q2.
      What is plan view also known as?

      Cloud view
      A sideways view
      A view from underneath
      Correct answer: A bird's eye view

      Q3.
      Match the word to its meaning:

      Correct Answer:Collaborate,Working together and sharing ideas to make something as a team
      Correct Answer:Invent,To think of and create something new using your imagination
      Correct Answer:Plan view,A drawing that shows what a place looks like from above

      Q4.
      Put these steps in the right order to create a paradise island:

      1 - Imagine and invent your island
      2 - Collaborate with your group to share ideas
      3 - Draw your island in plan view
      4 - Add tone to your drawing

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Why is a strong base important for your model island?

      So it looks interesting
      Correct answer: To help it stand up and hold everything on top
      To make it smaller and lighter
      To throw it away when you’re done

      Q2.
      Match the action to the correct stage of building:

      Correct Answer:Construct,Use material to make the structure
      Correct Answer:Collaborate,Work with your partner to share ideas
      Correct Answer:Decorate,Add trees and rivers

      Q3.
      A base is the part that supports a model.

      Correct answer: bottom
      top
      middle

      Q4.
      Put these steps in the correct order when building your model island base:

      1 - Gather recycled materials
      2 - Work with your partner or group
      3 - Construct the base
      4 - Add features like trees and hills

      To help you plan your 2 art and design lesson on: Construct a paradise island base, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...