Creating and reinforcing playground structures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make different structures and explain how to make them stronger and more stable.
Key learning points
- Different joining techniques can be used, such as masking tape and glue.
- Adding bracing, anchors and wider bases to structures adds support to freestanding structures.
- Straws can be reinforced with pipe cleaners to add strength.
- Cardboard boxes are assembled with tabs.
Keywords
Frame structures - a 3d shape which holds the outline of the shape, just like a skeleton
Shell structures - a hollow structure with a thin outer covering
Brick bonding - a pattern in which bricks are laid to make a wall strong and stable
Bracing - extra supports added to a structure to keep it strong and help it to keep it’s shape
Reinforce - to strengthen or support an object or structure
Common misconception
Structures are all the same.
There are different types of structures - frame, shell and brick bonding structures. They are all used for different effects, purposes and reasons.
Teacher tip
There is an opportunity in this lesson for large scale construction outside / inside, alongside the idea that construction kits and construction materials can be used side-by-side in a lesson to produce the outcome.
Equipment
Range of materials to create shell, frame and brick bonding structures. Materials for joining techniques, scissors, additional card, pipe cleaners and other materials to reinforce.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
Q2.Morag Myerscough is a famous artist and ...
Q3.Why is it important to have an anchor to hold the equipment in place?
Q4.A mock-up is ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the type of structure to the correct meaning.
Q2.What could you use to anchor your mock-up play equipment?
Q3.Reinforce means to ...
Q4.You can reinforce a mock-up model of a playground by ...
To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Creating and reinforcing playground structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Creating and reinforcing playground structures, 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 1 design and technology lessons from the Freestanding structures: playgrounds unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.