EYFS

Reception researched, designed, made and evaluated their own Christmas tree baubles. At first they researched different bauble designs and discussed them. They found there were lots of different designs and they were all made out of different materials. From salt dough to plastic to metal to paper. The children then decided that they wanted to make theirs out of salt dough so they could have lots of different patterns. 

The next step was designing so the children drew their own designs. They chose which shape cutter they wanted to use then drew a pattern on it. 

Then the children made their salt dough and discussed whether or not they looked the same as their designs. The finished designs were brilliant and the children were so proud of them. They followed the whole process from researching to designing to making and evaluating. 

KS1

Key stage one made prototype models of the dens they are building to protect the lions. They researched different materials to see which ones would be the most suitable. They found out that waterproof materials for the top would be best. They then made dens using cardboard and cable ties. They designed their models and used their design to make their prototype. Their finished models were really impressive and the children were so pleased with how they had turned out. 

They were then lucky enough to have a professional come in and show them how to make large scale dens. The children listened brilliantly to the instructor and were left to have a go at making their own dens. As well as the skills needed for DT, the children practised their communication and language and had to work out how to explain their ideas to their peers. The finished designs were brilliant and the children were so proud of themselves. The children had to design a purposeful and functional product based on a design criteria and then had to make mini mock ups. They then had to use a range of materials for construction and evaluate their ideas. 

Key Stage 1 have made drawbridges this half term as part of their 'The Last Castle' adventure. They used dowels to create the lifting motion and really enjoyed painting them afterwards. 

Key Stage 1 made cars this half term focussing on getting the wheels to rotate as the cars moved along. 

In Key Stage 1, they had an exciting day building dens. They built dens as part of their adventure, If I ran a zoo, and built structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable. They were able to select from and use a range of tools (branches, string, and tarp) to perform practical tasks. They then explored and evaluated their ideas and products against the design criteria. 

They had so much fun outdoors building and designing their dens. They loved making them and then getting inside and seeing how dark they were and how stable they were. Well done Key Stage 1.

LKS2

In DT this half term, Mulberry were challenged with the mission of building a new skyscraper to fit the New York skyline. They researched existing skyscrapers to identify their features. Then they designed their own on paper and thought about the function of them – would they be hotels, offices or apartments? Then they used Computer Aided Design to build their models and they wrote evaluations on what they would do next time to improve.

Lower key stage 2 made Trojan horses to coincide with their autumn 2 topic. They loved designing their horses and then building them using lolly pop sticks and wood. They even had the help of Mr Cockcroft to drill holes in the wood for the horses wheels. 

Trip to Withernsea Lighthouse

LKS2 went on a school trip to Withernsea lighthouse to see how a lighthouse works in real life and to take inspiration from this to make their own at school. They were able to go inside and climb up the steps all the way to the top where the light is kept. The children enjoyed the view and had a go at trying on the coastguard uniform. 

The children will bring back what they have learnt about the lighthouse to their own designs later on in the term.

The children then came back to the classroom and designed and built their own lighthouses. They worked really hard to work out how to work the light in the top. They then made their lighthouse red and white so they stood out and enjoyed making the rocks around the bottom. The children learnt how to make a full circuit and enjoyed experimenting to see which way was the best for lighting it up. 

UKS2

Key stage 2 researched different styles of water wheels. They looked at wooden ones and metal ones and found out which one would be more reliable. They then discussed why water wheels are better than factories for producing energy and found out it was because they are a clean renewable energy source. The children then looked at expanded diagrams and drew their own design. 

The children discussed whether they thought they could change their designs at all. Some of them came up with the idea of measuring the diameter of the circle to ensure the doweling was put directly through the middle. They also suggested they could use more or less milk cartons. They then made their designs using a glue gun to stick them together and a saw to cut the doweling down. They then tested the water wheels and evaluated them. One group had cut holes in the bottom of their milk cartons and realised that the water would fall out therefore not pushing the wheel around to create the energy. 

UKS2 made their own moving animals. The white models are the prototypes and then there are photos of the top and underside of some of the finished models. They selected equipment to perform practical tasks and join accurately. They used cams to make their moving animals and Evaluated their ideas and products against their own design criteria and considered the views of others to improve their work.

UKS2 made their own Anderson shelters to keep them safe if war broke out. They designed, made and evaluated their product and some amazing designs were made. They selected their materials carefully, considering the intended use of the product, the aesthetics and functionality. They also created and followed a step by step plan that they had made. 

were so pleased with their designs, loved making them and then, when testing them, made notes on how to improve them. It was a well thought out, thorough investigation. Well done Key Stage 2!