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      Select and assemble recyclable materials to make a creature

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a creature using recyclable materials and explain my choice of materials.

      Key learning points

      1. Referring to a maquette helps decide the size, shape, and balance of the sculpture.
      2. To assemble means to gather and connect different parts or materials to create a complete sculpture or object.
      3. Choose recyclable materials based on their properties to create different features like a body, legs or a head.

      Keywords

      • Maquette - is a small, rough model of a sculpture used for planning

      • Sculpture - a three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or combining materials

      • Assemble - to fit together the parts of something

      • Recyclable material - leftover or discarded materials that can be reused for creative purposes

      Common misconception

      Pupils might think any material can be used for any body part, like using lightweight or flexible materials for the base instead of sturdy ones.

      Show examples of sculptures with a sturdy base versus those with a weak base, using different materials (e.g., cardboard vs tissue paper).

      Teacher tip

      Encourage pupils to refer to their maquette regularly as they assemble their sculpture, using it as a guide for proportions and structure. Remind them to attach each part securely and test the stability as they build.

      Equipment

      Cardboard, newspaper, magazines, milk cartons, small boxes, pipe cleaners, string, scissors, gum tape, mark making tools, tissue paper, fabric scraps, foil, beads, buttons and bottle caps.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a maquette?

      An image in a quiz
      A small drawing of your sculpture
      Correct answer: A small model or prototype of your sculpture
      A tool for cutting materials
      A type of glue used in sculptures

      Q2.
      When building a sculpture, it's important to think about the of the materials you are using to make sure your creature stands up.

      Correct Answer: strength, strengths

      Q3.
      True or False? You should only use one material to make your sculpture.

      True
      Correct answer: False

      Q4.
      Why do we use a maquette when making sculptures?

      To make the sculpture bigger.
      Correct answer: To plan the size, shape, and structure before starting the final sculpture.
      To make the sculpture easier to assemble.
      To decorate the sculpture.

      Q5.
      Put these steps in order for using a maquette to build your sculpture:

      An image in a quiz
      1 - Use the maquette to check the size and shape of the creature.
      2 - Select the materials for the creature.
      3 - Look at your maquette and plan where to start building.

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Why is it important to choose materials based on their properties when making your creature?

      Different materials make the creature look messy
      Correct answer: Different materials have different strengths
      Correct answer: Different materials have different levels of flexibility
      Different materials are harder to find

      Q2.
      True or False? A maquette helps artists decide the size, shape, and balance of the sculpture.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: True
      False

      Q3.
      Put these steps in order for selecting materials:

      An image in a quiz
      1 - Look at your maquette and decide what parts of your creature need to be built.
      2 - Choose materials based on what the creature’s parts need.
      3 - Start creating your creature.

      Q4.
      Why might gum tape be used to assemble your creature?

      It should be used as decoration
      Correct answer: It should be used to hold the materials together securely
      It should cover the entire creature
      It should make the creature look shiny

      To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Select and assemble recyclable materials to make a creature, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...