Cross-sectional drawings
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can produce cross-sectional drawings to show internal details.
Key learning points
- Cross-sectional drawings help see inside objects by cutting them open on paper.
- Cross-sectional drawings are used when important details are hidden inside and can't be seen from the outside.
- A cutting plane is a dashed line with arrows that shows where the object is cut to reveal the inside.
- Hatching indicates a cut section, showing internal details and clarifying it's not the full design.
Keywords
Cross-section - an internal view of a 3D object when cut through a plane
Cutting plane - indicates where a sectional view is taken from, represented by a dashed line with arrows
Internal details - the features inside an object only visible in a cross-sectional drawing.
Common misconception
A cross-sectional drawing is just another drawing view, such as front or side.
A cross-sectional view is an internal view showing what the inside looks like when sliced through. It is is meant to reveal hidden details inside an object.
Teacher tip
Having objects that can be cut/opened to show internal details will help pupils visualise the concept.
Equipment
Pencil, rubber, ruler.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an orthographic projection?
Q2.Which of these views would you NOT usually see in an orthographic projection?
Q3.How are hidden lines or details represented in an orthographic projection?
Q4.When creating an orthographic projection, which view do you draw first?
Q5.What view is this?
Q6.Which term describes the size and shape of an object?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What type of drawing shows internal features of an object?
Q2.What can cross-sectional drawings help us to understand?
Q3.In which fields are cross-sectional drawings commonly used?
Q4.What do hatched marks on a cross-sectional drawing indicate?
To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Cross-sectional drawings, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Cross-sectional drawings, 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 3 design and technology lessons from the Communication unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.