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Lesson 4 of 8
  • Year 2

Preparing materials for playground structures

I can explore and create structures using paper and card.

Lesson 4 of 8
New
New
  • Year 2

Preparing materials for playground structures

I can explore and create structures using paper and card.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Shapes, such as springs, can be created by folding card.
  2. Different joining techniques can be used to join paper and card in different ways to create different effects.
  3. Measuring and marking out shapes, helps to create mock-up models and different effects.
  4. Different shapes and structures can be made using pipe cleaners.

Keywords

  • Measuring (with a ruler) - to find a number that shows the size of something

  • Marking out - drawing lines to show where to cut

  • Joining techniques - ways to join two things together so they stay connected

Common misconception

Buttresses, bracing, anchors, wider bases and reinforced sides need to be on every single mock-up model for it to be freestanding.

Not all structures need a buttress, bracing, anchors, wider bases or reinforcing, it depends on the materials that are being used, the size, height and what the object is going to do.


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

Recap how to use a split pin by using sticky tack on the table and a pencil to make a hole in the card or paper. This will be the safest and easiest method.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pencil, ruler, scissors, paper or card, sticky tack, range of joining techniques (including split pins).

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.
What does this picture show?

An image in a quiz
frame structure
Correct answer: brick bonding
shell structure

Q2.
What type of structure is this?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: frame structure
brick bonding
shell structure

Q3.
What structure is this?

An image in a quiz
frame structure
brick bonding
Correct answer: shell structure

Q4.
To reinforce something, you make it .

Correct Answer: stronger, more sturdy, more supported, less bendy

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Match these keywords to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:cladding,a layer of paper or card which can be used to cover a structure

a layer of paper or card which can be used to cover a structure

Correct Answer:joining techniques,ways to join two things together correctly

ways to join two things together correctly

Correct Answer:marking out,drawing lines to show where to cut

drawing lines to show where to cut

Correct Answer:measuring (with a ruler),using a ruler to find a specific length

using a ruler to find a specific length

Q2.
What tool would you use to measure a length on paper?

Correct answer: ruler
scissors
pencil

Q3.
Which joining technique could you use to make something turn around in a circular motion?

stapler
masking tape
Correct answer: split pins

Q4.
In your playground design, what could you use this piece of folded paper or card for?

An image in a quiz
a bar
a pivot
Correct answer: a spring

Additional material

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