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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

A machine capable of carrying out complex actions automatically

Correct Answer:Mood board,A visual tool that gathers images, materials and ideas for inspiration

A visual tool that gathers images, materials and ideas for inspiration

Correct Answer:Purpose,A reason for doing something

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...