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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a clear plan to make a moving animal.

      Key learning points

      1. An action plan contains the steps to complete the project.
      2. An action plan contains a list of materials the project will need.
      3. An action contains a list of tools that will be required.
      4. An action plan may change and adapt during the project.

      Keywords

      • Action plan - a list of steps and resources needed to complete a project

      • Evaulate - to judge how well a product meets design criteria

      • Feedback - someone else's opinion of your work

      • Adapt - make changes

      Common misconception

      Action plans cannot be changed.

      Action plans can be changed and adapted throughout the project.

      Teacher tip

      Have a range of resources, such as cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, syringes, tubing, balloons (be aware of latex allergies if necessary), for pupils to explore and help them visualise the steps needed.

      Equipment

      Pencils, paper (or action plan worksheet), small cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, 4/5 mm tubing, syringes (10 ml, 20 ml), balloons (be aware of latex allergies if using latex balloons).

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - may contain allergens

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A design __________ is a list of product requirements.

      Correct answer: specification
      list
      plan
      statement

      Q2.
      When should a design specification be written?

      Correct answer: before designing and making
      during designing and making
      after designing and making

      Q3.
      How could you add more information to a sketch?

      record a video
      Correct answer: annotate it
      write a specification

      Q4.
      design ideas helps us to make sure the product will work.

      Correct Answer: Evaluating

      Q5.
      True or false? Final product designs come from one idea.

      true
      Correct answer: false

      Q6.
      Match the specification point to the description.

      Correct Answer:Function,what it should do

      what it should do

      Correct Answer:Users,who it is for

      who it is for

      Correct Answer:Performance,Performance

      Performance

      Correct Answer:Appearance,what it will look like

      what it will look like

      Correct Answer:Materials,what it is made from

      what it is made from

      Correct Answer:Environment,how to reduce impact

      how to reduce impact

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What could an action plan include?

      Correct answer: how the main structure of the toy will be made
      Correct answer: how the product will be finished
      an evaluation of the finished toy
      feedback from the end user on how the toy works
      Correct answer: which pneumatic system will be used

      Q2.
      What does embed mean?

      to cut off
      to stick on
      Correct answer: to fit inside

      Q3.
      True or false? A list of tools and equipment can be part of an action plan.

      Correct answer: true
      false

      Q4.
      What does the word adapt mean?

      Correct answer: make small changes
      start all over again
      get resources together

      To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Plan a pneumatic system, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...