Year 4 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

Pavillions (Structures)

In an introduction to pavilion architecture, pupils experiment with frame structures before designing their own landscape and pavilion, using a wider range of materials and construction techniques

  1. To create a range of different shaped frame structures

  2. To design a structure

  3. To build a frame structure

  4. To add cladding to a frame structure

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 and CAD

  • Select from and use a wider range of materials, components and construction materials according to their functional properties and aesthetics

  • Investigate and analyse a range of existing products

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

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

Spring Term

Torches (Electrical Systems)

Pupils are introduced to electricity and electrical safety before making a simple electric circuit to create a functioning torch.

  1. To learn about electrical items and how they work*

  2. To evaluate electrical products

  3. To design a torch

  4. To make and evaluate a torch

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Investigate and analyse a range of existing products

  • Understand electrical systems in products

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

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

  • 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

  • Understand and use electrical systems in 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

Summer Term

Slingshot Cars (Mechanisms)

Pupils use kinetic energy to power slingshot cars, designing and making their own and then testing their effectiveness in time trials

  1. To build a car chassis

  2. To design a shape that reduces air resistance

  3. To make a model based on a chosen design

  4. To assemble and test my completed product

National Curriculum Objectives

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

  • 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

  • Investigate and analyse a range of existing products

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

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

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

  • 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

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