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      Create a maquette of a robot

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a maquette of a robot.

      Key learning points

      1. A maquette is a small three-dimensional model used by artists to plan and develop their sculptures.
      2. Identify and use different joining techniques such as tying, slotting or gluing to build a strong and stable maquette.

      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

      • Armature - a skeleton frame that gives the basic shape and holds a maquette together

      Common misconception

      A maquette is a finished sculpture, not a model for planning a design.

      Remind pupils that building a maquette is an opportunity to test different elements of their design, allowing them to identify areas for improvement. A maquette does not need to be perfect as its purpose is to resolve issues before the final design.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage pupils to experiment with different joining techniques before committing to their final maquette structure. Provide a range of recyclable materials and demonstrate methods such as tying, slotting, and gluing to help them find the most effective way to connect parts securely.

      Equipment

      A range of recyclable materials (including fabric) and glue

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Each robot has a different __________, like cleaning, helping people, or building things.

      Correct answer: purpose
      metal
      hobby

      Q2.
      What can robots do?

      Correct answer: Clean oceans
      Correct answer: Plant trees
      Feel emotions
      Correct answer: Sort recyclable materials

      Q3.
      __________ means capable of continuing or being kept up over time.

      Purpose
      Recyclable materials
      Correct answer: Sustainability

      Q4.
      Jean-Michel Basquiat depicted __________ using bold brushstrokes, bright colours, and abstract forms.

      computers
      trees
      waste
      Correct answer: robots

      Q5.
      What should you annotate on your mood board?

      What size you think your artwork will be.
      How long it will take to make your artwork.
      Correct answer: Why you find certain images inspiring.

      Q6.
      Eileen Agar’s ‘Robotics’ (1978) represents robots by blending organic and __________ forms with vibrant colours and textures

      modern
      Correct answer: mechanical
      soft

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a maquette?

      A piece of paper with a drawing of a sculpture.
      Correct answer: A small, rough model of a sculpture used for planning.
      A photo of a sculpture used for planning.

      Q2.
      A __________ is a three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or combining materials.

      drawing
      painting
      Correct answer: sculpture

      Q3.
      What should you think about when designing a robot?

      Correct answer: The robot’s purpose.
      Correct answer: How its features will help.
      Production time.
      What type of music the robot will play.

      Q4.
      How can robots help keep the world more sustainable?

      Correct answer: By reducing waste.
      By using more plastic in everything they do.
      Correct answer: By recycling materials.
      Correct answer: By protecting the environment.

      Q5.
      Which of the following is not a joining technique sculptors use to secure a structure:

      Slotting
      Gluing
      Stacking
      Correct answer: Shading

      Q6.
      Match the word to the definition:

      Correct Answer:Robot,A machine capable of carrying out complex actions automatically
      Correct Answer:Mood board,A visual tool that gathers images, materials and ideas for inspiration
      Correct Answer:Purpose,A reason for doing something

      To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Create a maquette of a robot, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...