New
New
Lesson 5 of 8
  • Year 8

Foam modelling techniques

I can use foam modelling to develop ideas.

Lesson 5 of 8
New
New
  • Year 8

Foam modelling techniques

I can use foam modelling to develop ideas.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Foam is an effective modelling material for ergonomic testing.
  2. Hands-on modelling refines design concepts before final production.
  3. Iterative testing improves design functionality and user experience.

Keywords

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

  • Styrofoam - a lightweight foam often used in modelling

  • Iterate - process of refining and improving a design

Common misconception

Models are the final design.

Iterative design uses prototypes to model and test ideas, gather feedback and improve.


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

Encourage the students to evaluate their designs and suggest improvements.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Modelling foam, workshop cutting and shaping tools and equipment.

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.
A polymer is a material made of long chains of repeating units called .

Correct Answer: monomers

Q2.
Match the type of polymer to the description.

Correct Answer:synthetic,made by humans in factories

made by humans in factories

Correct Answer:natural,come from plants, animals, or nature

come from plants, animals, or nature

Q3.
Identify the general properties of polymers.

Correct answer: lightweight
Correct answer: good insulators
poor electrical insulators
absorbent

Q4.
The of a material are characteristics that determine how it behaves.

Correct Answer: properties

Q5.
Name this tool.

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: coping saw
junior hacksaw
hacksaw
tenon saw

Q6.
A prototype is ...

Correct answer: a simple first version of a product used to test and improve ideas.
a complex first version of a product used to test and improve ideas.
a final version of a product used to test and improve ideas.

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What are the benefits of making a prototype?

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

Q2.
Name this grey material often used for prototyping?

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: Styrofoam, modelling foam

Q3.
Which grade of abrasive paper is smoothest and will give a fine finish?

50 grit
Correct answer: 400 grit
200 grit

Q4.
Put these stages of the iterative process in order.

1 - explore and investigate
2 - create, design and prototype
3 - gather feedback and evaluate