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
To create a range of different shaped frame structures
To design a structure
To build a frame 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 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.
To learn about electrical items and how they work*
To evaluate electrical products
To design a torch
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
To build a car chassis
To design a shape that reduces air resistance
To make a model based on a chosen design
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