Sculpture: card construction techniques
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify different card construction techniques and apply them to create a three-dimensional structure.
Key learning points
- Card construction techniques are essential for creating stable and visually dynamic 3D structures.
- Experimentation with techniques leads to better problem-solving and creative possibilities.
- Being precise with measuring and cutting improves the structure and stability of 3D structures.
Keywords
Construction - the act of assembling materials to form a structure or object
Slotting - cutting precise slots in card to combine two pieces together, creating stability without glue
Tabbing - adding tabs to card edges to secure pieces together with glue
Scoring - using a blunt tool to create a crease for clean, precise folds
Layering - stacking multiple card pieces to add strength and visual depth
Common misconception
All 3D card designs require glue or tape to stick pieces together.
Techniques such as slotting can be used to create strong and effective 3D card structures, even without the use of glue.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to embrace trial and error - creativity grows through problem-solving. Model your own imperfect attempts to show that learning happens through experimentation.
Equipment
A3 and A4 sheets of card (different colours and weights). Scissors. Rulers, pencils. Glue sticks, PVA glue. Masking tape. Blunt tools for scoring (e.g. blunt knife or dried-out biro pen).
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A mood board is a tool to collect and arrange ideas and inspiration.
Q2.A symbol is a ...
Q3.Select which are card construction techniques.
Q4.Sources should be copied from exactly to create a good design.
Q5.What are common uses of masks in history?
Q6.Being precise with measuring and cutting improves the of 3D structures.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the word to the meaning.
cutting slots in card to combine pieces together, creating stability
adding tabs to card edges to secure pieces together with glue
stacking multiple card pieces to add strength and visual depth
Q2.Why might construction techniques be used in a card sculpture?
Q3.What is the purpose of scoring in card construction?
Q4.What is a good way to ensure a stable interlocking structure?
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Sculpture: card construction techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Sculpture: card construction techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Sculpture: make a mask unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.