Resources
Project planning template
This template is designed to support your thinking. We use the Maker{Cycle} to iterate our project planning; continually reflecting and refining. We use our expertise, experience and intuition to make changes in response to what we notice and feel.
Maker{School} project template.docxClassroom projects
Think like an Engineer
These ten projects were designed with real engineers and cover a range of engineering disciplines.
EYSF - Y6
Circuits and Craft
Make a safe electronic sparkler
Y1 - Y6
Cardboard cutting and construction
Make a box theatre to tell a story
Y1 - Y3
Materials attachment and prototyping
Design and build a boat to meet the criteria
Y2 - Y3
Materials and chemistry
Expressive artwork or make a pencil grip
Y2 - Y3
Cardboard construction
Design, build and test a paper plane launcher
Y3 - Y6
Digital Literacy: stop motion animation
Produce a stop motion animation campaign film
Y4 - Y6
Sewing
Make a mighty microbe soft toy
Y4 - Y6
Metal and simple machines
Develop a moving model using a crankshaft
Y4 - Y6
Paper and construction
Design and make a piece of furniture
Y3 - Y6
Digital Literacy: augmented reality
Build a virtual zoo
Cardboard and paper projects
Electronics and circuit projects
Maths projects
We teamed up with colleagues in Mathematical Biology to develop a making maths project for pupils in year 5 or 6. It is designed to give pupils the chance to discover how maths can be useful in everyday life - learning how to describe real life with numbers, and how to use this to make decisions and predictions.
Mathematical Biology is a subject dedicated to using maths to understand the natural world, from the cells in our body to the way animals move around their habitat.
There are no 'correct solutions', nor is there a set of given strategies pupils need to apply in order to complete this project. Get started with our project "Can numbers help tell stories?".
Useful resources and links
Astrid Poot is a thinker and maker from the Netherlands. She has produced a series of wonderful resources exploring making and schools. You can visit her brilliant website here
Here are some of our favourites...
"Making is where work and play are in perfect harmony"
We are currently beta testing this 3D design software, aimed at primary age children, which enables them to create 3D shapes and scenes online with no specialist software. Check out the tutorial, have a go and let us know what you think.
Visit www.makerart3d.com.
These resources have been developed by the Maker{Futures} programme and our previous project on making in the Early Years - MakEY.
Guidance on setting up a Makerspace in early years (PDF, 1.2MB)
Maker{School} introduction (PDF, 741KB)
How do we become a Maker{School}?
You can register your interest in becoming a Maker{School} and join our mailing list. Take a look at how our awards process works or get in touch with the Maker{Futures} team to find out more.