Design Technology - Soft Toy Tamagotchi (Upper Key Stage 2)

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:

1. IDEA Task 1: What was a Tamagotchi? & Focused Practical Task 1 – Toy Designer
2. IDEA Task 2: All About the Micro:Bit
3. Making the Product
4. Programming the Product
5. Packaging the Product
6. Evaluating the Product