Design & Technology Unit

WEEK ONE:

Activity 1:  Being An Inventor

Learning Intentions: I can explain who an inventor is.

Harnessing creative, innovative and imaginative ideas:  What is an inventor?

Lesson:

In Learning Journals, sketch a ‘typical’ inventor.

Explore changes in technology over the years, what was invented? For example: electricity how was it created?

As a class explore the different inventions over the years. 

Watch the You tube Clip - American Inventors

Watch the You tube Clip - How to be an inventor

Discussion / Reflection – Who can be an inventor? What drives people to invent and create?  Explore need, purpose, ideas that ‘pop’ up when going about day to day life!

WEEK ONE:

Activity 2:  Being An Inventor

Learning Intentions: To investigate playgrounds, what they used to look like compared to now.

Lesson:

Watch the You tube Clip - Inventors and Inventions.

Discuss the differences between past and present playgrounds. Check out the playground links attached.

In your Inquiry book, write the heading THEN and NOW.

Make a list, draw pictures, describe the differences between the playgrounds from years ago to playgrounds we play on today.

Reflection: Discussion - How have  playgrounds changed over time? What did you notice?

WEEK TWO:

Activity 3:  Introduction to Simple Machines

Learning Intentions: To investigate the different types of simple machines.

Lesson:

Watch the You tube Clip - Simple Machines.

Discussion - What are simple machines?

Where might you have seen or used a simple machine yourself?

As a class - List the 6 different types of SIMPLE MACHINES on the whiteboard.

In your Inquiry Book - Write a heading for each of the 6 different types of SIMPLE MACHINES (over 3 pages).

Activity: 

Cut, match and paste the correct definition underneath each SIMPLE MACHINE heading. 

Fill in the missing type of SIMPLE MACHINE in each definition.

Reflection: Share the SIMPLE MACHINES and definitions.

WEEK TWO:

Activity 4: Introduction to Simple Machines cont......

Learning Intentions: To investigate the different types of simple machines.

Lesson:

Watch the You tube Clip - Simple Machines.

Discussion - Refresh - What are simple machines?

Where might you have seen or used a simple machine yourself? Can you think of any other examples you have seen or used since our last lesson? Share.

Activity: 

Open your Inquiry Book to the previous activity. 

Cut, match and paste the correct picture underneath 

each SIMPLE MACHINE heading. 

Draw an example of your own SIMPLE MACHINE for each.

Reflection: Complete the lesson with a Kahoot! 

SIMPLE MACHINES - You will need to sign in. 

Students will need a laptop each.

WEEK THREE:

Activity 5: Observation of School Playgrounds

Learning Intentions: To explore the school playgrounds for evidence of different types of Simple Machines.

Lesson:

Refresh - What are different types of Simple Machines?

Explain the template attached - Playground Walk .

Activity: 

Go on a walk in the forest area. 

In pairs or groups of 3, explore and investigate each of the Year level playgrounds. 

As you explore, fill in the Playground Walk template. Take notes, answer questions and draw the different types of Simple Machines that you find being used in each of the playgrounds.

Complete your Playground Walk.

Reflection: 

If time permits - share your observations.

WEEK THREE:

Activity 6: Planning your Playground 

Learning Intentions: To plan and design a playground. Investigate and Design Stage

Lesson: You will need to work in pairs - Teacher discretion. You will need to be able to work well together. (Only 1 group of 3 if needed). You and your partner need to design a safe and suitable playground for a new local park.

Think about our school playgrounds that you have observed, pictures and websites you have seen and other playgrounds you have used.

Activity:  Discuss with your partner and make a list of the equipment / features of a ‘Perfect Playground’.

What should it look like? 

What should it have? 

Think about including some simple machines, sun smart elements, safety features, perhaps some climbing areas or quiet spaces. 

Remember it also needs to look inviting!

Reflection: 

Share student plans in small groups.

WEEK FOUR:

Activity 7: Draw / Plan your Playground 

Learning Intentions: To plan, design and draw your playground. Investigate and Design Stage

(This may need 2 lessons).

Lesson: 

Read through the Playground Rubric as a class. 

With your partner draw / sketch your ideas. Make sure your plan / drawing is detailed and labelled. Read through the planning page together.

Think about including some simple machines, sun smart elements, safety features, perhaps some climbing areas or quiet spaces. 

Remember it also needs to look inviting!

Activity:  Design, draw and label your playground. 

Make a list of the equipment / features of a ‘Perfect Playground’.

Reflection: 

Share student designs.

WEEK FIVE - NINE:

Activity 8: Construct your Playground 

Learning Intentions: To follow your planning design and construct your playground. Production Stage.

(This will need many lessons).

Lesson:  

Construct your playground. 

Check it against your design. 

Does it need changing? 

Does it need fixing?

Have you included everything you intended?

Have you checked it against the rubric?

Activity:  Construct  your playground. 

Reflection: 

WEEK TEN:

Activity 8: Gallery Walk 

Learning Intentions: To share your playground via a gallery walk. Sharing and Reflection Stage.

Lesson:  

Complete the self assessment.

Invite parents to view the playgrounds constructed in a Gallery Walk.

Reflection: