Design and technology

During this DT topic, the children were able to explore a variety of different fidget toys and understand what their purpose was. The children thought about why we might use fidget toys and if we use different ones for different things. They thoroughly enjoyed exploring all of the different fidgets that were on their tables (thank you to those of you that brought extra fidget toys in!) 

Children then designed their own fidget spinner using various templates provided. They needed to think about a balanced weight distribution, having a smooth spinning mechanism and it looking appealing. The children's designs were fantastic! They really thought about how they wanted it to look and what material they could use to make it out of. 

We then made a prototype based on our designs. These were made from different types of cardboard, they're template designs, three pennies, two small round discs and a toothpick! Whilst myself and Mrs Cratchley hot glued our lives away, the children had to make sure their fidget spinner would meet their design criteria. Whilst they were waiting for the hot glue to dry, all of the children wrote their own set of instructions on how to make a fidget spinner based on what they had just done. Some of their instructions were amazing and very clear!

The children finally evaluated their fidget spinners based on the design criteria. They needed to think about what went well, what they found tricky and if they were to make these again, would they change anything? The prototypes turned out to be a huge success :)

In this DT topic, the children have made a Greek filo pastry tart! This is linked to our History topic of the Ancient Greeks. The children had a discussion about what we already know about Greek food and how the Ancient Greeks lived.  We looked at a range of ingredients that they might use due to their agriculture and living next to the sea and even tasted some of them!

Children then designed their Greek tarts. choosing relevant ingredients to go in them and deciding how they wanted them to look. They drew their tart from two different angles: birds eye view and a frontal view. The children then labelled their designs with the ingredients they were going to use. 

Once the children had designed them, we then made them! The children layered up their filo pastry and included tomato puree, feta cheese and a range of fresh vegetables! The tarts then went to the kitchen to cook! The children were so excited to try them!

Once out of the oven and cooled, we all enjoyed eating our Greek tarts in the Mary garden with some homemade tzatziki dip (YUM)! I was extremely proud of the children for all trying their tarts!

Finally, the children evaluated their tarts, describing how their tart tasted, what they found difficult in the process and what they enjoyed the most about making them! The children have thoroughly enjoyed this topic and I am so proud of them all for pushing themselves and trying new foods! Well done Year 4!