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Lesson 6 of 8
  • Year 8

Cardboard modelling techniques

I can use cardboard modelling to develop ideas.

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View unit
Lesson 6 of 8
New
New
  • Year 8

Cardboard modelling techniques

I can use cardboard modelling to develop ideas.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Cardboard is a thick, strong paper material made from layers of wood pulp.
  2. Cardboard used for packaging, crafts, and creating prototypes as it is strong, ridgid, light, and easy to cut or fold.
  3. Corrugated cardboard is used for prototyping due to its structural integrity, strength and versatility.
  4. Cardboard can be layered, slotted, folded, scored, and joined to build strong 3D models.
  5. When modelling with cardboard, adhesives need to be used.

Keywords

  • Prototype - a simple, low-cost model made to check size, shape, and function

  • Corrugated cardboard - cardboard with a fluted layer to increase strength and rigidity

  • Fluting - the wavy layer in corrugated cardboard

  • Adhesive - a substance used to bond materials through a chemical reaction

Common misconception

Cardboard is a weak material that is not suitable for modeling.

Cardboard has a fluted layer that increases its strength and rigidity. Modelling techniques, such as layering, can be used to increase its strength further, making it a versatile and very good material to model with.


To help you plan your year 8 design and technology lesson on: Cardboard modelling techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to practise modeling techniques, such as creating curves, to increase skill levels.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Craft knives, scissors, cutting mats, metal rulers, adhesives, cardboard.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the prototype materials to the justification for use.

Correct Answer:cardboard,lightweight, easy to cut and inexpensive

lightweight, easy to cut and inexpensive

Correct Answer:paper,good for drawing and inexpensive

good for drawing and inexpensive

Correct Answer:foam or clay,easy to shape and create 3D objects quickly

easy to shape and create 3D objects quickly

Correct Answer:construction kits or building blocks,create small models quickly, the blocks can be reused

create small models quickly, the blocks can be reused

Correct Answer:recycled materials,free materials, come in a variety of shapes and sizes

free materials, come in a variety of shapes and sizes

Q2.
What are the benefits of making a prototype?

Correct answer: to test an idea
Correct answer: to find mistakes
to produce a final design
to speed up the manufacturing process

Q3.
Styrofoam is a type of ...

Correct answer: polystyrene.
polyethylene.
polyvinyl chloride.
polyvinyl acetate.

Q4.
Why is modelling foam suitable for prototyping?

Correct answer: smooth texture
good harness
Correct answer: easy to shape
goo toughness

Q5.
What piece of equipment is this image showing?

An image in a quiz
band saw
Correct answer: hot wire cutter
jigsaw
coping saw

Q6.
What tool is this image showing?

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: surform

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Put these stages of creating a straight join between two pieces of corrugated cardboard in order.

1 - Line up the safety rule and upright material to mark out the cut.
2 - Carefully cut through the outer liner and the fluting, leaving the inner liner.
3 - Using a steel rule, remove the outer liner and fluting. Leave the inner liner.
4 - Apply PVA to the exposed inner liner.
5 - Line up both pieces of cardboard
6 - Check the join for accuracy, apply masking tape while it dries.

Q2.
Which stage of creating a straight join between two pieces of corrugated cardboard is this image showing?

An image in a quiz
Apply PVA to the exposed inner liner.
Correct answer: Check the join for accuracy, apply masking tape while it dries.
Line up the safety rule and upright material to mark out the cut
Carefully cut through the outer liner and the fluting, leaving the inner liner.

Q3.
What is the reason for intentionally damaging the outer liner of corrugated cardboard along the fluted layer when creating curves?

to increase the strength
Correct answer: to create a smooth curve
to reduce weight

Q4.
What is the modelling technique called that adds depth by stacking and gluing material on top of each other?

Correct Answer: layering