This Design and technology video introduces the pupils to the concept of shell structures, helping them recognise examples in the everyday world. It explains a shell structure and why many are designed as hollow, curved forms that contain or protect something. The video explores familiar examples such as helmets, egg shells, tortoise shells, boxes and suitcases, showing how their shape and structure strengthen them. It highlights key features that make shell structures effective and encourages the children to think about where they might see them in their own lives.

This video is part of the Year 4, Structures: Helmets unit. It breaks down technical ideas into clear, child-friendly explanations, preparing the pupils to apply their understanding of shell structures in the following lessons.

• Design and technology, Year 4, Structures: Helmets, Lesson 2: Making papier-mâché shells.
• Design and technology, Year 4, Structures: Helmets.