Design Principles in DT
These photos show the development of children evaluating their designs using their design brief and constantly referring to the design principles (purpose, user, functionality, design decisions, innovation and authenticity).
Building Towers in Nursery
In Nursery, the children used sensory shape to build towers and structures. They were encouraged to try and make their structure stable and secure. Nursery children demonstrated wonderful perseverance by trying again when the structure fell down and were constantly evaluating how they could make their structure balance and the best way to ensure stability. Children were supported by the adult to develop their fine motor skills, reasoning and evaluating skills. Nursery staff supported children by using key vocabulary such as balance, structure, stable, more and less, that they will constantly build upon and develop as they progress through the school.
Fruit Salads in Year 2
In Year 2 children designed and made a healthy fruit salad. They created a design criterion that meant that the purpose of the salad was to be healthy, functional so the pieces can be in bite sized chunks, as well as being innovative and visually pleasing. When making the fruit salad they carefully considered the design decisions so that it fitted the purpose, user and function. After making fruit salad they compared the design to the final salad. During the evaluation pupils realised that they had all made a healthy fruit salad but for some, they didn’t necessarily present it in the way they had planned. Children talked about how they could improve this if they were to make another fruit salad.
Jewellery Boxes in Year 3
In Year 3 children made a jewellery box for a friend. Children were able to consider the audience, purpose and function or the design. Children tested the design by seeing if it could hold jewellery as well as opening and closing. One child in Year 3 made a glasses case for his friend which fitted in his glasses as well including a decorative design to appeal to his target user. Children carefully considered their design choices to make sure it was innovative, appealing, functional and fitted to the purpose of holding jewellery. They used the design bree to test and evaluate the product. Children were able to consider what worked well and why as well as what they would improve upon next time. In particular most children noticed that the function of the box could be changed next time to make it sturdier so that it could hold more jewellery. Additionally, include different design features to make sure that it could open and close so that the jewellery would be safe in a secure box.
Bridges in Year 5
Year 5 designed and built bridges to be used in their local area this term. Firstly, they researched different types of bridges and thought about how they were built. They practically tried to make different types of bridges using K’Nex. The children then designed their bridges based on the design criteria and tested different materials and tools for making. They carefully considered the function, purpose and user of the bridge. The children then built their bridge in teams and evaluated how effectively they met their design criteria. Children used the design criteria to complete the star evaluation. Many children reflected that the purpose of the bridge to hold traffic could be improved by strengthening the bridge to provide support for a large volume of traffic.