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Structures: Playground pioneers
Designing and building a prototype of an innovative playground structure.
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Structures: Playground pioneers
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Explain the term constraints and why some are more important than others.
- Use sketches with labels to communicate ideas.
- Use 3D CAD software to communicate ideas.
- Modify a design to make it stronger and more stable using knowledge of triangulation and reinforcing.
- Select appropriate materials and tools for cutting and joining.
- Make a plan and equipment list for a project.
- Reinforce and stabilise a prototype of a structure.
- Apply a quality finish in a neat way and explain why the finish is important.
- Critically evaluate the success of a structure within constraints and suggest alternative, more sustainable, materials.
- Present and explain design decisions.
Suggested prior learning
Structure: Bridges
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Playground design challenge
- To generate ideas for a playground structure by considering relevant constraints.
Lesson 2: Designing structures with Tinkercad
- To create a prototype using Tinkercad.
Lesson 3: Making a prototype of a structure
- To construct a scale prototype of a playground structure.
Lesson 4: Finishing a prototype of a structure
- To complete a structure prototype and improve its appearance.
Lesson 5: Prototype evaluation and presentation
- To evaluate and present a prototype of a playground structure.
Key skills
Key knowledge
Related content
Resources
Unit resources
Cross-curricular opportunities
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