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Primary Design Technology

Carousel Education provides high quality bespoke support that addresses current educational challenges and practices. Our vision is to enable school leaders and staff to provide the best possible outcomes for all their children. In addition to our resources, we aim to offer down to earth, interactive, innovative and practical solutions for school leaders.

Carousel Education provides high quality bespoke support that addresses current educational challenges and practices. Our vision is to enable school leaders and staff to provide the best possible outcomes for all their children. In addition to our resources, we aim to offer down to earth, interactive, innovative and practical solutions for school leaders.
Design Technology - Shadow Puppet Theatre (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Shadow Puppet Theatre (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Shadow Puppets is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 7-9. Design Brief: Design and make a shadow puppet theatre to tell a story to a group of friends. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: • Structures • Materials • Mechanical Systems • Electrical Systems This unit of work provides opportunities for children to develop and consolidate their knowledge across several areas of design technology and science. In designing and making a shadow puppet theatre children learn how shadow puppetry is the oldest form of puppet show and is thought to originate from Ancient China over 2000 years ago. Children learn the importance of making models to understand how a product works and how it is made. They make movable puppets applying their knowledge of a simple hinge linkage mechanism. They deepen their knowledge of materials, strengthening structures and electrical systems to create a wooden framed shadow theatre complete with scenery and puppets. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1: Investigating Shadow Puppets Focused Practical Task 1 – Shadow Theatre Model IDEA Task 2: Understanding Structures & Focused Practical Task 2 – Shadow Theatre Model DME: Theatre Designer DME: Theatre Creator Evaluation
Design Technology - RoboWars! (Upper Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - RoboWars! (Upper Key Stage 2)

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In this unit of work children design and make a robot buggy that is controllable using Crumble Kit and programmed for random movement using computer block coding. As part of this project children learn about how electric vehicles work and the story of Elon Musk. Children embark on a series of focused practical tasks to create a chassis on which to add other electrical components to make their controllable vehicle. They learn how to use block code to program their vehicle to successfully complete the ‘test track’ before their vehicle is allowed to take part in the class Robo Wars. Children evaluate their project by making a short documentary film or a display stand or by taking part in a ‘show and tell’ event. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1 – Robo Wars! Focused Practical Task 1: Creating the Chassis Focused Practical Task 2: Vehicle Control Buggy Designing and Making Test Track Evaluation: The Robo Wars Competition – Let Battle Commence
Design Technology - Cleopatra Cushions (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Cleopatra Cushions (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Cleopatra Cushions is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 7-9. Design and make a decorative cushion to be sold in the British Museum Gift Shop. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: • Materials & Textiles In this unit children join textile pieces to create both a cushion and a cushion cover. Children investigate different kinds of cushions and their purpose, and they learn that cushions can be designed to provide support and to be decorative. They build on previous learning about the running stitch and different embroidery techniques that are used to decorate fabrics. They are introduced to the backstitch technique and apply this skill when learning about different textile fastenings and when sewing a button and matching buttonhole. Using the design brief and specifications, they design a cushion cover based on the iconic image of Queen Cleopatra. They use learnt techniques to make a cushion and a decorative cushion cover following the designs that they made. As part of the evaluation, children create an online shopping page for the cushion product and also present their product in a Dragon’s Den simulation. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1 – Investigating Cushions & Focused Practical Task 1 – Decorative Stitching IDEA Task 2 – Investigating Fastenings & Focused Practical Task 2 – Buttons & Buttonholes Focused Practical Task 3 – Making a Cushion Cushion Designer (Designing the Cushion Cover) Cushion Maker (Making the Cushion Cover) Evaluating the Cushion Product
Design Technology - Arty Cushions (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Arty Cushions (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Arty Cushions is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 7-11. The unit focuses on creating a three-dimensional fabric product using a range of textile skills. Design Brief: Design and make a decorative cushion to be sold in the local art gallery shop. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: • Materials/Textiles In this unit of work: Children join textile pieces to create both a cushion and a cushion cover. They are introduced to the technique of creating a seam allowance and build on their knowledge of sewing and decorative techniques. They design and decorate their cover based on a famous and iconic work of art understanding that the cushion is being made as a sample for a client. They evaluate their cushion product by creating a page for an online shopping website. This unit of work is part of the Primary Design Technology Scheme of Work for children aged 5-11 being developed on behalf of Carousel Education.
Design Technology - Kandinsky Cushions (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Kandinsky Cushions (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Kandinksy Cushions is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 7-9. Design Brief: Design and make a decorative cushion to be sold in the local art gallery shop. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: Materials and Textiles In this unit children join textile pieces to create both a cushion and a cushion cover. Children investigate different kinds of cushions and their purpose, and they learn that cushions can be designed to provide support and to be decorative. They build on previous learning about the running stitch and different embroidery techniques that are used to decorate fabrics. They are introduced to the backstitch technique and apply this skill when learning about different textile fastenings and when sewing a button and matching buttonhole. Using the design brief and specifications, they design a cushion cover based on the iconic abstract art of Wassily Kandinsky. They use learnt techniques to make a cushion and a decorative cushion cover following the designs that they made. As part of the evaluation, children create an online shopping page for the cushion product and also present their product in a Dragon’s Den simulation. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1 – Investigating Cushions & Focused Practical Task 1 – Decorative Stitching IDEA Task 2 – Investigating Fastenings & Focused Practical Task 2 – Buttons & Buttonholes Focused Practical Task 3 – Making a Cushion Cushion Designer (Designing the Cushion Cover) Cushion Maker (Making the Cushion Cover) Evaluating the Cushion Product
Design Technology - Eco Airline Meal
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Design Technology - Eco Airline Meal

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In this project, children apply their knowledge of cooking and nutrition to design and make a three-course meal to be served as an airline meal. Children will learn that an airline meal can be a three-course meal and that airlines often serve meals that reflect their countries culture and cuisine. They will understand the term eco-friendly and some of the ways food production can be more eco-friendly including fairtrade food, locally sourced food and organic farming. They will apply these principles when designing and making a three-course meal for an eco-friendly airline. When designing their meals, they consider menus that might be suitable for vegetarians, vegans and people who may have food allergies and intolerances. As part of the evaluation process, they organise a taste test and design the airline menu card for the food they have created that explains why the three-course meal is healthy and balanced and why it is eco-friendly. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1 – Eating in, Eating Out & IDEA Task 2 - Favourite Restaurants IDEA Task 3 – Eating at 30,000 Feet & IDEA Task 4 – What is an Eco Airline? DME - Airline Meal Designer DME – Planning to Make DME – Making the Meal DME – Evaluating the Meal
Design Technology - Charity Soft Toy (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Charity Soft Toy (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Charity Soft Toy is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 7-9. Design Brief: Design and make a stuffed animal toy to use in a wildlife charity fundraising appeal. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: Textiles In this unit of work children design and make a stuffed toy sample for a charity to use as part of a fundraising campaign. Children begin by investigating stuffed cuddly toys to identify how they are made and what makes them attractive. They apply this knowledge later when developing design specifications for their own product. They develop their skills in working with textiles and creating pattern templates. They learn the technique of overstitching to create a three-dimensional textile product. Applying this learnt knowledge, they design a unique animal soft toy as part of the design and make activity by creating a mood board and using this to develop a pattern template from which to make their product. They add decorative features to their soft toy product and develop a fundraising appeal poster as part of the evaluation process. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1: Investigating Soft Toys & Focused Practical Task 1: Decorative Stitching IDEA Task 2: Finding out about animal charities & Focused Practical Task 2: Designs and Patterns Focused Practical Task 3: Making a Soft Toy Designing Session Making Session Evaluation Session
Design Technology - Monster Mobile Phone Cover (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Monster Mobile Phone Cover (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Design Brief: Design and make a monster-themed mobile phone cover to protect a mobile phone. Sequence of Learning for Teachers In this unit of work children design and make a mobile phone cover using textile materials. Children have the opportunity to consolidate their skills in sewing using the running stitch and are taught the technique of the overstitch. They develop their embroidery skills using Binca material and applying a range of stitching techniques including the cross-stitch. Children learn about models and mock-ups and how designers use them to try out and test design ideas that they have. Children learn about different textile fastenings and consider which ones would be best suited to use in a mobile phone case. They develop their knowledge of textile decorative techniques including embroidery, embellishment and appliqué to create a monster-themed mobile phone cover. Sessions: IDEA Task 1: All About Mobile Phones & Focused Practical Task 1 – Embroidery Techniques Focused Practical Task 2 – Phone Cover Mock-Up DME: Designing Session: Phone Cover Designer DME: Making Session: Creating a mock-up and pattern template DME: Making Session: Making and decorating the mobile phone cover. DME: Evaluation Session
Design Technology - Digital Decorations (Upper Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Digital Decorations (Upper Key Stage 2)

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Design Brief: Design and make a digital decoration for the school Christmas tree display. Sequence of Learning for Teachers In this unit of work children design and make a digital decoration for a school Christmas tree. This is made by adding a BBC Micro:Bit to a felt tree decoration to create a digital decoration. Children learn about some of the traditions of decorating trees at Christmas and design a bauble as a Christmas tree decoration. They learn about the BBC Micro:Bit and know that is has a range of different inputs and outputs and consider which of these would be useful when designing a festive digital decoration. Children design their digital decoration and apply their knowledge and skills of joining textile pieces to create a felt decoration which they decorate using a range of fabric techniques. As part of their design, they create a small frame and pouch to accommodate a BBC Micro:Bit and battery pack. Using their knowledge of block coding, they program the Micro:Bit to interact with a user and the environment to produce different outputs. As part of the project children create a marketing campaign for their product. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1: A history of Christmas trees & Focused Practical Task 1 – Embroidery Techniques IDEA Task 2: All About the BBC Micro:Bit Focused Practical Task 2: Creating a Mood Board DME: Making the Decoration DME: Programming the Product DME: Marketing the Product
Design Technology - Fashion Waistcoat (Upper Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Fashion Waistcoat (Upper Key Stage 2)

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Fashion Waistcoat is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 9-11. Design Brief: Design and make a Designer Waistcoat for the Class Fashion Show. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: Materials Textiles In this unit of work children become fashion designers. They design and make a themed waistcoat to wear and showcase in the class fashion show. Having learnt the history of waistcoats they take measurements to enable themselves to create their own pattern template for their waistcoat. They use this pattern to cut and assemble the fabric pieces to create the waistcoat. They add buttons and pockets before applying a range of decorative techniques to complete their product. As part of the evaluation, they learn how to become fashion models and apply this skill in the class fashion show. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1 – What is a Waistcoat? & Focused Practical Task 1 – Fashion Designers and Mood Boards IDEA Task 2 – Down the Catwalk Focused Practical Task 2 – Making the Waistcoat & Focused Practical Task 3 – Adding Pockets and Buttons (These can be done over two sessions if needed) Designing: Fashion Designer Making: Waistcoat Tailor Evaluation: Fashion Show
Design Technology - Teddy Explorer (Key Stage 1)
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Design Technology - Teddy Explorer (Key Stage 1)

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Teddy Explorer is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 5-7. Design Brief: Design and make a toy buggy for teddy to explore the world The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: Structures Mechanical Systems In this unit of work children design and make a toy buggy for their teddy to explore the world. They begin by investigating toy vehicles to see how they work, identifying their different parts and learning about linear and rotational movement and how a wheel and axle mechanism makes a vehicle move. They then learn about the invention of the wheel and its impact on ancient civilisations. Children are taught woodworking skills to create a simple wooden frame that is used to create the chassis for their buggy. Attaching a wheel and axle mechanism children are able to make a moving vehicle. They research and investigate vehicles in the world around them and toys that have wheels and axles. When designing their toy buggy, they consider all the different objects that teddy will need when exploring the world. They make the body of the buggy and attach it to the wooden frame chassis. Adding a wheel and axle mechanism completes their model.
Design Technology - Celebration Cards (Key Stage 1)
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Design Technology - Celebration Cards (Key Stage 1)

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In this unit of work children design and make a celebration card with a movable part. They are introduced to different mechanisms such as sliders, levers, and pop-ups and how they can be used to create movement in celebration cards. Children apply this knowledge of the different mechanisms when designing and making their card for a particular purpose such as a family celebration or a religious festival. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task – Investigating Pop-Up cards & Focused Practical Task 1 – Movement using a slider mechanism (Tortoise Trek) IDEA Task 2 – Movement Around the School & Focused Practical Task 2 – Movement using a slider mechanism. (Puppet Show) Focused Practical Task 3 – Parallel Fold Focused Practical Task 4 – Rotational Movement (Rocket Round the Moon) Design & Make a Celebration Card Evaluation Session
Design Technology - Puppets (Key Stage 1)
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Design Technology - Puppets (Key Stage 1)

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Puppets is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 5-7. The unit focuses on creating puppets using textiles and sewing techniques. Design Brief: Design and make a hand puppet based on a character from a fiction book in the library. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: • Materials/Textiles In this unit of work: Children make a hand puppet by marking out, cutting, and joining pieces of fabric together to create a character from a story book. Children learn about puppets and discuss what makes a good puppet – this is an introduction to design specifications. They design a hand puppet based on a story book character and learn how to use a simple puppet template pattern to create their puppet. Using their design they decorate their puppet to resemble the book character. This unit of work is part of the Primary Design Technology Scheme of Work for children aged 5-11 being developed on behalf of Carousel Education.
Design Technology - Sharing Bread (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Sharing Bread (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Sharing Bread is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 7-9. The unit focuses on children designing and making bread that can be shared as part of a meal. Design Brief: Design and make a unique bread product to share with friends. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: • Cooking and Nutrition In this unit of work: Children will investigate a range of bread products from around the world. They will learn a basic bread recipe and using this knowledge will adapt this recipe to create their own authentic bread product that has been designed and made by them. In this unit they will learn that additional ingredients can be added to the bread to create a unique recipe. They will learn how to shape the bread to make it easier for tearing and sharing. They conduct a taste test to evaluate their bread and also develop packaging for their bread product. This unit of work is part of the Primary Design Technology Scheme of Work for children aged 5-11 being developed on behalf of Carousel Education.
Design Technology - Nightlights (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Nightlights (Lower Key Stage 2)

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Seasonal Tarts is a Design Technology unit of work aimed primarily at children aged 7-11 Design Brief: Design and make a nightlight for a child who is afraid of the dark. The package provides the medium-term plan, six lessons (each lesson has a MS Powerpoint presentation). Any additional resources are provided as PDFs or as Powerpoint Presentations. This unit of work fulfils the National Curriculum (England) Design Technology requirements for this age group in the following strands of learning: Structures Electrical Systems Materials In this unit of work children design and make a nightlight product. This provides an opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of different structures and simple electrical circuits to create a product. Children learn about different lights in the home and that a product such as a nightlight is made up of three components – a stand, a shade and the electrical circuit. Children design and make a wooden frame, create a shade using papier mâché and then add a simple circuit with a switch to complete the product. They evaluate their product against the design brief and design specifications and use this information to create a marketing poster for the product. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1: Let there be light! Focused Practical Task 1: Nightlight Designer Design and Make Activity: Shade Maker Design and Make Activity: Frame Maker Design and Make Session: Putting it Together Evaluation Session
Design Technology - Soft Toy Tamagotchi (Upper Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Soft Toy Tamagotchi (Upper Key Stage 2)

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In this unit of work children design and make an alien soft toy and combine it with a Microbit controller to create an interactive soft toy. Children learn how Tamagotchi electronic pets were the most popular toy in the 1990s and that many schools banned pupils from bringing them to school. Children use a mood board and computer software to help them design their alien soft toy. They apply their knowledge and skills of joining textile pieces to create a soft toy which they decorate using a range of fabric techniques. As part of their design, they make a small window and pocket to accommodate a BBC Microbit controller. Using their knowledge of block coding they program the Microbit to interact with the user. As part of the project children create packaging and promotional materials for their product. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1: What was a Tamagotchi? & Focused Practical Task 1 – Toy Designer IDEA Task 2: All About the Micro:Bit Making the Product Programming the Product Packaging the Product Evaluating the Product
Design Technology - Garden Escapes (Lower Key Stage 2)
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Design Technology - Garden Escapes (Lower Key Stage 2)

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In this project, children design and make a prototype animal home for the school garden or a local park. They are introduced to using computer software to help design products and use this software to design an animal home. Children learn about frame and shell structures and apply this knowledge when making their animal home prototype. As part of the evaluation process children participate in a Dragon’s Den activity where they present their prototype design and model to a ‘panel of experts’. This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions: IDEA Task 1 – Animal Homes & IDEA Task 2 – Investigating Structures Focused Practical Task 1 – Making a Wood Framework & IDEA Task 3 – Understanding Structures Focused Practical Task 2 – Introducing Computer-Aided Design Designing the Animal Home Making Session Evaluation Session – Into the Dragon’s Den