Learning objective
- To build a prototype of a durable slingshot car chassis.
Success criteria
- I can choose
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National curriculum
Design and technology
Design
Pupils
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Cross-curricular links
Science (Year 2)
Uses
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Explain that the children will be thinking about what makes a good product design by comparing different prototypes and sharing their opinions. Display the Presentation: Agree or disagree? and arrange the children in pairs. Select three volunteers to read out the three statements on the slide. Ask the pairs to discuss whether they agree with…
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
Should watch the Pupil video: Making prototype three as they make their car so they do not need to remember all the steps; could use the Knowledge organiser to help them evaluate their cars.
Pupils working at greater depth:
Should try prototype three with and without rubber bands on the back wheels and explain in their books why the rubber bands are necessary (they create more friction between the wheel and the floor, allowing the wheels to grip better; without them, the back wheels spin too fast and the car does not move forward).
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: choosing durable materials to
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Vocabulary definitions
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absorbent
Soaks up water.
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flexible
Easily bent or squashed without breaking.
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In this unit
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 26th October, 2025
Lesson 2: Prototype two: Slingshot car
Building a sustainable slingshot car prototype, focusing on choosing eco-friendly materials, making the chassis, conducting...
Lesson 4: Mechanical toy car kit: Designing
Designing a mechanised toy car by conducting market research, creating design criteria, sketching and annotating...
Assessment – D&T Y4: Mechanical cars
Assessment quiz and Knowledge catcher for use at the start and/or end of the unit...
Lesson 5: Mechanical toy car kit: Making and evaluating
Building a mechanical toy car based on another group's design, assessing its functionality, providing feedback...
