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      Adding finishing touches to playground structures

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can complete a mock-up of a playground structure.

      Key learning points

      1. A mock-up is a model that is useful for trying out ideas.
      2. A mock-up shows key design features.
      3. A mock-up uses card techniques, which create different effects and appearances.
      4. Different materials, with different textures and appearances, can be used for different effects.
      5. Finishing touches help the user to use the play equipment, but also help the user to find the play equipment appealing.

      Keywords

      • Features - make up the structure, form or appearance of something

      • Effects - making designs eye-catching

      • Appearance - what something looks like

      • Texture - what something feels like

      Common misconception

      Decorations used are to make it look pretty.

      As well as appearance, we need to consider usability and safety when choosing finishing touches.

      Equipment

      Range of joining techniques available, range of materials, scissors, design specifications, sketch models, ruler, pencil, sticky tack,

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match these keywords to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:mock-up,making an example of something to test or to learn new skills
      Correct Answer:structure,something that is made for a purpose, formed and holds its shape
      Correct Answer:freestanding,something standing up by itself

      Q2.
      Glue, sticky tape, masking tape and staples are all ...

      different types of card.
      different building tools.
      Correct answer: different joining techniques.

      Q3.
      What is bracing?

      An image in a quiz
      a 3d shape which holds the outline of the shape, just like a skeleton
      a pattern in which bricks are laid to make a wall strong and stable
      Correct answer: extra supports added to a structure to keep it strong and help keep it’s shape

      Q4.
      To mark out a shape, you need to use ...

      Correct answer: a ruler and pencil.
      a pen and paintbrush.
      a ruler and paintbrush.
      a pencil and pen.

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keywords to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:effects,making designs eye-catching
      Correct Answer:appearance,what something looks like
      Correct Answer:texture,what something feels like

      Q2.
      If you cover a frame structure in card, you are adding ...

      An image in a quiz
      finishing.
      Correct answer: cladding.
      ends.

      Q3.
      Which joining technique can you paint over?

      Correct answer: masking tape
      sticky tape
      PVA glue
      glue stick

      Q4.
      What do you need to use to mark out card so that it is ready to cut?

      Correct answer: pencil
      paint
      glue
      Correct answer: ruler

      To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Adding finishing touches to playground structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...