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Lesson 1: Exploring shell structures

Exploring how shell structures are designed to protect and how this influences helmet design.
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An adult adjusts a child’s bicycle helmet strap.

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Learning objective

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

1. Recap and recall

Before starting the unit, check that the children can recall:

  • What a 3D shape is.

  • The names of several 3D shapes.

  • How a 2D shape is the net of a 3D shape.

  • A 3D shape is a type of structure.

Display slide 1 of the Presentation: Guess what? Ask the children what all the images show.

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Example work

Haimo Primary School, London

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In this unit

Assessment – D&T Y4: Structures: Helmets
Lesson 1: Exploring shell structures
Lesson 2: Making papier-mâché shellsLesson 3: Strengthening techniquesLesson 4: Strengthening shell structuresLesson 5: Evaluating shell structures
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: 27 March 2026

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