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Refreshed scheme (2026)

Lesson 3: Making a prototype of a structure

Using a range of tools and materials to construct a prototype of a structure.
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Model of a wobbly bridge made with wooden uprights and a bridge made from lollipop sticks.

Learning objective

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

1. Recap and recall

Display the Presentation: Pairs. Explain that the children will match techniques used to reinforce and stabilise structures with the correct image. Arrange the children in pairs. Ask them to discuss which picture best matches each word. Explain that some pictures may match more than one word.

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Teach in presentation mode

Example work

Auckley Primary Academy, Doncaster
Auckley Primary Academy, Doncaster
Auckley Primary Academy, Doncaster
Auckley Primary Academy, Doncaster

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In this unit

Assessment – D&T Y6: Structures: Playground pioneersLesson 1: Playground design challengeLesson 2: Designing structures with Tinkercad
Lesson 3: Making a prototype of a structure
Lesson 4: Finishing a prototype of a structureLesson 5: Prototype evaluation
Created by:
Kapow Primary Team
Kapow Primary Team
Our team comprises experienced classroom teachers who love the foundation subjectsFind out more
Maintained by: Kapow Primary teamLast update: 1 July 2026

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