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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can choose and use communication techniques that are appropriate to showcase a product.

      Key learning points

      1. Exploded diagrams show how a product can be assembled and how the separate parts fit together.
      2. Cross-section diagrams shows the inside of something.
      3. Isometric diagrams are usually at 30 degree angles.
      4. Bricks can be drawn on isometric paper with a ruler.

      Keywords

      • Diagram - a simplified drawing showing information

      • Cross-section - an inside view of a 3D object when cut across a plane

      • Isometric - showing three dimesions, to scale

      • Angle - the direction from which you look at something

      Common misconception

      All design drawings are drawn from one angle, usually a front view.

      Isometric drawings show three angles at the same time.

      Teacher tip

      Thirty degree isometric paper works best for this lesson. Allow pupils to try different types of isometric paper, grid and dot. Model the different techniques used in the lesson.

      Equipment

      Isometric paper (dot and grid), rulers, pencils, plastic building bricks.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
      What did Ole Kirk Kristiansen began his career as?

      a machinist
      Correct answer: a carpenter
      a solder
      a teacher

      Q2.
      When was the Lego brick we know today patented?

      1928
      Correct answer: 1958
      1988
      2008

      Q3.
      What term is more scientifically accurate when talking about materials.

      Correct answer: polymer
      plastic
      product

      Q4.
      Polymers can be reformed using moulding to create complex products.

      Correct Answer: injection

      Q5.
      What would be a quick way to communicate a design idea to someone else?

      Correct answer: create a freehand sketch
      make a cardboard prototype
      create a CAD model
      write a story

      Q6.
      What does horizontal mean?

      Correct answer: going straight across, from side to side
      going straight up, from top to bottom
      going at an angle, from top to bottom
      going backwards, from front to back

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A cross-section is the view of an object that can not be seen from the outside.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: internal, inside

      Q2.
      Which plane has this tomato been cut through?

      An image in a quiz
      vertical plane
      Correct answer: horizontal plane
      diagonal

      Q3.
      Which of these images is showing the cross-sectional view of an eye?

      a
      b
      Correct answer: c
      d

      Q4.
      What type of diagram is this image showing?

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: exploded
      perspective
      cross-section

      Q5.
      Isometric diagrams show 3D objects to scale, with shape sides drawn at __________ degree angles from the horizontal.

      15
      Correct answer: 30
      45
      90

      Q6.
      How many dimensions are shown in an isometric diagram?

      2
      Correct answer: 3
      4
      5

      To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Graphic designs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...