Structures: Junk modelling

In this unit, pupils explore and learn about various types of permanent and temporary join. They are encouraged to tinker using a combination of materials and joining techniques in the junk modelling area.

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Lesson 1: Exploring junk modelling

Children learn about the names and use of various craft tools and materials for junk modelling and explore ways to manipulate materials to create different effects.

Learning Objective

To explore and investigate the tools and materials in the junk modelling area.

Lesson 2: Cutting and scissor skills

Pupils practise and develop their scissor (and fine motor) skills by investigating how easy or difficult it is to cut and shape different materials using a variety of scissor types (right, left-handed, squeeze and craft zigzag and scalloped).

Learning Objective

To investigate cutting different materials.

Lesson 3: Choosing resources

After exploring and practising with various materials and tools in the junk modelling area, pupils decide and discuss which resources they would like to use and generate ideas to develop a class-based junk model.

Learning Objective

To learn how to plan and select the correct resources needed to make a model.

Lesson 4: Making models

Pupils put all of the skills and decisions into practice by developing their own unique junk model plan, which includes which tools, materials and components they will need to make it possible (e.g. a cone shape for a rocket top). They begin to build their junk model.

Learning Objective

To verbally plan and create a junk model.

Lesson 5: Evaluation and presentation

Following their plan, pupils continue to build their junk models, sticking as closely to their decisions as possible. When complete, pupils discuss and evaluate their finished model and present it to the rest of the class.

Learning Objective

To share a finished model and talk about the processes in its creation.

Lesson 6: Temporary joins

Building on their knowledge of joins such as glue, paper clips and sticky tape, pupils explore and tinker with a range of temporary joining methods and their use (e.g. hook and loop shoes).

Learning Objective

To explore different ways to temporarily join materials together.