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Lesson 2 of 8
  • Year 2

Simple playground structures

I can explore and create playground structures using construction kits.

Lesson 2 of 8
New
New
  • Year 2

Simple playground structures

I can explore and create playground structures using construction kits.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Morag Myerscough designs are fun and bright outdoor spaces.
  2. Construction kits can be used to make quick mock-ups of structures.

Keywords

  • Freestanding - something standing up by itself

  • Designer - someone who plans and creates how something should look or be made

  • Structure - something that is made for a purpose, something that is formed and holds its shape

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

  • Building - making something new with different materials - this could also be known as constructing.

Common misconception

Structures that are anchored down are not freestanding.

Structures which are anchored down can be freestanding, such as play equipment. A structure which is joined to another structure, such as a radiator joined to a wall, is not freestanding.


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

To create a playground, a range of construction kits can be used alongside recycleable materials and modelling materials, such as modelling dough.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Range of photographs to explore the work of Morag Myerscough, a range of construction kits, recycleable materials, masking tape, sticky tape, modelling dough.

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 these keywords to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:material,what an object is made from

what an object is made from

Correct Answer:features,a special part which makes something special or noticeable

a special part which makes something special or noticeable

Correct Answer:user,the person who uses the object

the person who uses the object

Q2.
The users of this playground would be children. What is a user?

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: The person who uses the object.
The person who finds the object.
The person who does not use the object.

Q3.
Playground equipment might...

Correct Answer:be made from different materials,such as wood or plastic.

such as wood or plastic.

Correct Answer:be eye-catching,by having lots of different colours.

by having lots of different colours.

Correct Answer:have different shaped equipment,like a rectangular climbing frame.

like a rectangular climbing frame.

Q4.
What do we call a picture of a playground which is made by drawing using a pencil, onto a piece of paper?

An image in a quiz
a model
a painting
Correct answer: a sketch

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Who is Morag Myerscough?

An image in a quiz
A famous singer.
A famous dancer.
Correct answer: A famous artist and designer.

Q2.
Morag Myerscough is known for her use of...

An image in a quiz
smells and tastes.
Correct answer: bright, vibrant colours and use of shape.
using the grass and sky in her designs.

Q3.
Match the keywords to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:designer,someone who plans and creates how something should look or be made

someone who plans and creates how something should look or be made

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:freestanding,something standing up by itself

something standing up by itself

Correct Answer:building,making something new with different materials

making something new with different materials

Q4.
Something made for a purpose, formed and holds its shape is ...

a material.
Correct answer: a structure.
an anchor.
Q1 Guy Bell / Alamy Stock Photo Q2 Neil McAllister / Alamy Stock Photo

Additional material

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