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)
Pupils investigate and model frame structures to improve their stability, then apply this research to design and create a stable, decorated pavilion.
What structure can I create?- To create a range of different shaped frame structures.
What design criteria does your pavillion need?- To design a structure.
Can you create a strong structure?- To build a frame structure.
What type of cladding can you add to your structure?- 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, patterns and computer-aided design.
Select from and use a wider range of materials, and components, including construction materials, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities.
Investigate and analyse a range of existing products.
Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately.
Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures.
Spring Term
Torches (Electrical Systems)
Pupils identify the difference between electrical and electronic products. Evaluate a range of existing torches and their features, then develop a new functional torch design.
What components do we need to complete an electrical circuit with a switch? - To learn about electrical items and how they work.
What are the features of a torch?- To analyse and evaluate electrical products.
What can we use to create our own torches?- To design a product to fit a set of specific user needs.
Can we create a torch?- To make and evaluate a torch.
National Curriculum Objectives
Investigate and analyse a range of existing products.
Understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors].
Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design.
Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped the world.
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.
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.
Understand and use electrical systems in their products.
Summer Term
Making a Slingshot Car (Mechanisms)
Pupils use a range of materials, design and make a car with a working slingshot mechanism and house the mechanism using a range of nets.
What do we need to make a car chasis?- To build a car chassis.
What design would be thes best for a car's body?- To design a shape that reduces air resistance.
What decorations can I add to the car panels?- To make a model based on a chosen design.
How can I test the design of my car?- 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.
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.
Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
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].