3D Design: building with cardboard
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can cut, shape and build 3D forms with cardboard, using folding, layering and rolling techniques.
Key learning points
- Knives or scissors to cut cardboard into desired shapes. Pieces can be bent or folded to create dimensional forms.
- Stacking multiple layers of cardboard adds depth and dimension. Layers can be cut differently creating unique profiles.
- Roll cardboard into cylinders or fold into angular shapes; origami techniques can also be used.
Keywords
Construction - the method of building or assembling parts to form a 3D structure
Relief - a sculptural technique where raised elements are built up from a flat surface
Form - the shape and structure of a 3D object, including its volume and mass
Common misconception
Cardboard is too weak to build strong structures.
Cardboard becomes structurally strong when layered, folded or rolled. It is even used in architecture and furniture design for its surprising durability.
Teacher tip
Pre-score fold lines lightly to guide students in bending clean, sharp edges. Emphasise test folding first; ensure students plan their shapes before cutting to minimise waste and errors.
Equipment
Cardboard sheets, safety knives, scissors, box cutters, metal rulers, PVA glue, glue guns, cutting mats, masking tape, sketchbooks, pencils.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the hollow form used to shape plaster called?
Q2.Complete the sentence: Plaster is a process where liquid plaster is poured or applied around an object to capture its shape, texture and detail.
Q3.What is it called when plaster is brushed or poured in a thin layer over an object?
Q4.What prevents plaster sticking to the model?
Q5.Which artist created ‘A Carnival of Overlapping Histories’ which used plaster casting of faces and hands to explore identity and shared histories?
Q6.What are the areas in a model called, where the shape curves back on itself?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: 3D Design: building with cardboard, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: 3D Design: building with cardboard, 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 4 art and design lessons from the 3D Design unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.