New
New
Lesson 2 of 8
  • Year 6

Museum gallery artefacts

I can create model artefacts for a museum gallery prototype.

Lesson 2 of 8
New
New
  • Year 6

Museum gallery artefacts

I can create model artefacts for a museum gallery prototype.

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. Artefacts are objects that are displayed in a museum gallery.
  2. Artefacts need to be protected but also be seen by visitors.
  3. For prototypes, designers want to use materials that are quick and easy to shape.
  4. Air-dry modelling clay hardens when it is left out in the air.
  5. Air-dry modelling clay is a material that can be reused.

Keywords

  • Gallery - a room inside a museum that displays objects

  • Artefact - an object displayed in a museum

  • Air-dry modelling clay - modelling clay that dries when left

Common misconception

Museum galleries only contain paintings.

Museum galleries display a range of artefacts which include paintings and other physical objects.


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

Sustainability - cardboard is free and can be donated by p/c. By adding a small amount of water to clay that has hardened, it can be remodelled.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pictures of museum artefacts, mixed materials - cereal boxes, card boxes, air dry modelling clay, clay tools, clay mats (if necessary). Apron or overall dependent upon class and school expectations.

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a room in a museum called?

Correct Answer: gallery, galleries

Q2.
True or false? 'Museum galleries are not organised in any order. Artefacts are displayed randomly.'

Correct Answer: False, false, wrong, incorrect, no

Q3.
What is a simple, low-cost model called?

mock-up
maquette
Correct answer: prototype
sample
plan

Q4.
What material is most suited to use for a museum gallery prototype?

plastic
Correct answer: cardboard
metal
paper

Q5.
Which materials are least effective to use to join cardboard in a gallery prototype?

Correct answer: split pins
PVA glue
masking tape
Correct answer: glue stick

Q6.
What does the word 'interactive' mean in relation to visitors in galleries?

It means a film that plays all day without stopping.
It means that displayed objects must not be touched.
It means a speech given to visitors about the museum.
Correct answer: It means that displayed objects can be touched or used.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
What is the correct definition of an 'artefact'?

the layout of objects in a museum
Correct answer: the object displayed in a museum
the description of an object displayed in a museum
the historical significance of an object in a museum

Q2.
Which two things do old and valuable artefacts in a museum often need to be?

Correct answer: visible
exposed
Correct answer: protected
hidden

Q3.
True or false? Artefacts in a museum should never be interacted with.

Correct Answer: False, false, wrong, incorrect

Q4.
What is the type of modelling clay that can be moulded to create different shapes and used many times?

oven-bake
Correct answer: air-dry
freezer-harden
water-set

Q5.
What can you add to air-dry modelling clay to reuse it?

Correct Answer: water, Water