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Year 2 - Design and technology

Creating and reinforcing playground structures

Freestanding structures: playgrounds

Unit Summary

This unit develops pupils' knowledge of freestanding structures and how to make them more stable. Pupils will analyse different structures, shapes and construction techniques to make piece of play equipment.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to make different structures and explain how to make them stronger and more stable.

Key Notes

  • Different joining techniques can be used, such as masking tape and glue.
  • Adding bracing, anchors and wider bases to structures adds support to freestanding structures.
  • Straws can be reinforced with pipe cleaners to add strength.
  • Cardboard boxes are assembled with tabs.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • frame structures: a 3d shape which holds the outline of the shape, just like a skeleton
  • shell structures: a hollow structure with a thin outer covering
  • brick bonding: a pattern in which bricks are laid to make a wall strong and stable
  • bracing: extra supports added to a structure to keep it strong and help it to keep it's shape
  • reinforce: to strengthen or support an object or structure

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Structures are all the same.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Different joining techniques can be used, such as masking tape and glue. Adding bracing, anchors and wider bases to structures adds support to freestanding structures.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'frame structures'

a 3d shape which holds the outline of the shape, just like a skeleton.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Structures are all the same. Correction: There are different types of structures - frame, shell and brick bonding structures. They are all used for different effects, purposes and reasons.

More Lessons In This Unit

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