Year 3 Design and Technology

Parkfielders will be taught the full coverage of the KS1 and KS2 Design & Technology curriculum and this is categorised into five content areas: Structures, Mechanisms, Electrical Systems (KS2 only), Cooking and Nutrition and Textiles.

There are then four strands that run through each topic: Design, Make, Evaluate and Technical Knowledge.

Autumn Term

Pneumatic Toys (Mechanisms)

Pupils examine pneumatic systems using syringes and balloons then apply their understanding of mechanical systems to create their own pneumatic toys.

  1. To understand how pneumatic systems work *

  2. To design a toy which uses a pneumatic system

  3. To create a pneumatic system

  4. To test and finalise ideas again design criteria

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

  • Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

  • Investigate and analyse a range of existing products

  • Understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]

  • Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

  • Apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products

  • Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks

  • Select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

  • Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures

  • Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

  • Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

  • Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Spring Term

Cushions (Textiles)

Pupils learn to sew cross stitch and appliqué and then apply this to the design and creation of a cushion.

  1. To know how to sew cross stitch and appliqué

  2. To design a product and its template

  3. To decorate fabric using appliqué and cross stitch

  4. To assemble your cushion

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks

  • Design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria

Summer Term

Castles (Structures)

Pupils learn more advanced construction techniques and plan for complex arrangements of structures with continual emphasis on evaluating throughout

  1. To identify features of a castle *

  2. To design a castle

  3. To construct 3D nets

  4. To construct and evaluate my final product

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

  • Select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics

  • Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

  • Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

  • Select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

  • Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures