Windows (Lower Key Stage 2)

Design Brief: Design and make a page for the class book inspired by the work of Jeannie Baker
Strand of Learning: Materials and structures
Overview:In this unit of work children create a page for a class book based on the books created by Jeannie Baker. Each page is a photograph of a window frame that has been made by pairs of children using a simple hinge mechanism. Children use collage techniques to create a view from the window in the style of Jeannie Baker. Children learn about the hinge mechanism which is a simple linkage mechanism of two levers connected by a pivot. Children create a wooden frame for their window and apply their skills of working with cardboard to create the windows. In creating the window children consolidate their knowledge of structures and simple mechanisms and also develop their understanding of how designers use models as part of the designing process.

Medium Term Planning includes:

Pupils should know:

The difference between a design brief and design specifications.
Design specifications describe how a product should be made, how it works or what it should do.
How making models of their intended product can help in the design process.
There can be a range of people and places that can be clients for a product.
Rules and procedures for keeping themselves safe when making products.
The properties of materials that they are working with and how these determine the tools and techniques that they use.
That a list of the main stages of turning a design into a product will aid the making process.
When evaluating products, it is important to use the design brief and the design specifications as a guide.
Peer review of their product is useful in identifying ways in which it could be improved.

Materials

That products are made of materials that are chosen because of their properties.

Structures

Mechanical Systems

Levers and linkages work together to create different movements in products such as mechanical books.

Pupils should know how to:

Generate ideas for a product, considering its purpose and who the client is.
Use design specifications as a guide to the making process.
Follow instructions to ensure that they work safely.
Select suitable tools, equipment, materials, and components for the task.
Explain their choices of materials, techniques and tools when making a product.
Measure, mark out, cut and shape materials with increasing accuracy.
Select and apply a finishing technique to create a quality product.
Identify the characteristics of a design which makes the product useful and successful.
Test for the strength and stability of different structures
List the ways in which a finished product meets the design specifications.
Evaluate their product using a range of sources including client review, peer review, design brief and the design criteria.
Use consumer surveys to evaluate their finished product.

Materials

Measure, mark-out, cut and shape a wide range of materials.
Cut internal shapes and joining slots in sheet materials.
Join and combine materials and components using a variety of methods.
Manipulate different materials to create different effects by cutting, creasing, and folding.

Structures

Choose suitable materials, techniques, and tools to construct or repair products.
Apply a range of practical skills and techniques to create stable and strong frame structures.

Mechanical Systems

Create different types of movement in products using a range of mechanical systems, including levers and linkages.