Simple playground structures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore and create playground structures using construction kits.
Key learning points
- Morag Myerscough designs are fun and bright outdoor spaces.
- 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.
Teacher tip
To create a playground, a range of construction kits can be used alongside recycleable materials and modelling materials, such as modelling dough.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match these keywords to the correct definition.
Q2.The users of this playground would be children. What is a user?
Q3.Playground equipment might...
Q4.What do we call a picture of a playground which is made by drawing using a pencil, onto a piece of paper?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Who is Morag Myerscough?
Q2.Morag Myerscough is known for her use of...
Q3.Match the keywords to the correct definition.
Q4.Something made for a purpose, formed and holds its shape is ...
To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Simple 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: Simple 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.