Year 6 Design and Technology

Steady Hand Games (Electrical Systems)

Pupils understand what is meant by fit for purpose design and form follows function. Design and develop a steady hand game using a series circuit, including housing and backboard.

1. What is the function of a toy?- To research and analyse a range of children’s toys.

2. How will you design a game?- To design a steady hand game. 

3. How will you decorate your net?- To construct a stable base.

4. What do we need to do to complete the game?- To assemble electronics and complete their electronic game.

National Curriculum Objectives

Design

• Use research to 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 and annotated sketches.

• Model their ideas through prototypes.

Make

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

Evaluate

• Investigate and analyse a range of existing products.

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

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

Technical Knowledge

• Understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors].

Automata Toys (Mechanisms)

Pupils develop a functional automata window display, to meet the requirements in a design brief. Explore and create cam, follower and axle mechanisms to mimic different movements.

1. How can we prepare the components safely?- To prepare wood for assembly by measuring, marking and cutting each piece.

2. How can we assemble the components?- To assemble the automata frame components and supports with the help of an exploded diagram.

3. Which cam is most suitable for the toy?- To explore the relationship between cam profiles and follower movement to inform a design decision.

4. What finishing touches are needed?- To apply the housing and finishing touches to the automata frame.

National Curriculum Objectives

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.

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

Make

• 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.

Evaluate

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

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

Technical Knowledge

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

Playgrounds (Structures)

Pupils research existing playground equipment and their different forms, before designing and developing a range of apparatus to meet a list of specified design criteria.

1. What would you include in a new playground design?- To design a playground with a variety of structures.

2. How can we safely build three structures out of wood?- To build a range of structures.

3. How can we reinforce the structures?- To improve and add detail to structures

4. What features of a lanscape are needed?- To create surrounding landscape.

National Curriculum Objectives

Design

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

• Generate, develop, model and communicate ideas through discussion and annotated sketches.

Make

• 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, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities.

Evaluate

• 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.

Technical Knowledge

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