New
New
Lesson 6 of 8
  • Year 2

Making playground structures

I can use my knowledge of structure to make a playground mock-up.

Lesson 6 of 8
New
New
  • Year 2

Making playground structures

I can use my knowledge of structure to make a playground mock-up.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A mock-up uses card techniques learnt so far.
  2. A mock-up is a model that is useful for trying out ideas.
  3. Different joining techniques can be used such as masking tape and glue.
  4. Adding bracing, anchors and wider bases to structures adds support to freestanding structures.
  5. Straws can be reinforced with pipe cleaners to add strength.

Keywords

  • Mock-up - making an example of something to test or to learn new skills

  • Reinforce - to strengthen or support an object or structure

  • Design specification - describes what a product has to do

Common misconception

Designs need to be decided upon and followed.

Final designs can be adapted and changed, even during the making process. This is because it is always good to be reflective throughout the making process.


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

Remind pupils that masking tape can be painted in / decorated, however other joining techniques, such as sticky tape, cannot be painted/decorated. Remind pupils about the different aspects of making something freestanding - anchors, bracing, wider bases.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Design specifications, sketch models, range of joining techniques including split pins, range of materials - straws, boxes and pipe cleaners, 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

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4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keyword to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:stable,something that is balanced and doesn’t fall over

something that is balanced and doesn’t fall over

Correct Answer:design specification,describes what a product has to do

describes what a product has to do

Correct Answer:sketch model,a quick, low cost way to 3d model an idea or design

a quick, low cost way to 3d model an idea or design

Correct Answer:unique,something special that is one of a kind

something special that is one of a kind

Q2.
The person using the playground would be the ...

Correct answer: user.
solution.
purpose

Q3.
When a problem is identified in a design specification, the designer needs to think of a __________ to that problem.

user
issue
Correct answer: solution

Q4.
What are sketch models be made from?

only modelling dough
Correct answer: many different materials
different food items

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the keywords to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:reinforce,to strengthen or support an object or structure

to strengthen or support an object or structure

Correct Answer:mock-up,making an example of something to test or to learn new skills

making an example of something to test or to learn new skills

Correct Answer:design specification,describes what a product has to do

describes what a product has to do

Q2.
Which of these are ways to add support to structures?

Correct answer: wider bases
thinner bases
Correct answer: bracing
Correct answer: anchors
making it taller

Q3.
What is a sketch called which does not use paper and pencil?

sketch book
Correct answer: sketch model
sketch write

Q4.
To make a cardboard roundabout rotate (turn), what could you use?

Correct answer: a split pin
a staple
a glue stick

Additional material

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