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Design, engineering and technology
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Iterative design poster
Primary classroom poster exploring the process involved in iterative design.
To order your completely free posted pack, please visit the IET Education website.
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FIRST LEGO League Discover poster
Primary classroom poster summarising the FIRST LEGO League Discovery programme.
Download this single poster or order a full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.
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Light power poster
Primary classroom poster enabling your students to discover more about light and how it travels.
Download the single poster here or order the full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.
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Materials and their properties poster
Primary classroom poster taking a closer look at the materials used to make each part of a tent and how these ensure the tent can function effectively.
Download single poster here or order the full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.
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Radio waves poster
Primary classroom poster looking at how radio waves help us connect to our friends and families.
Download the single poster here or order the full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.
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FIRST LEGO League Explore poster
Primary classroom poster summarising the FIRST LEGO League Explore programme.
Download the single poster or order a full set of posters for free from the IET Education website.
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Seesaw scales
Understanding levers and forces
This STEM activity aims to develop children’s understanding of levers, specifically the seesaw class lever, one of the simplest forms of machine used to change the magnitude or direction of a force.
Making a small seesaw model is a fun-filled way to introduce children to the concepts of levers and forces. By making simple levers, learners will grasp how the effort applied to a lever affects the load. This hands-on project not only sparks their curiosity but also encourages active learning.
We’ve created this seesaw scale activity to support the teaching of key topics within design and technology (D&T), maths, and science as part of the primary national curriculum at key stage 2 (KS2). You can use it as a one-off activity or link it with a measurement activity in food technology.
Activity: Making the lever
Learners will make a simple lever assembly from a binder clip, ruler, two paper cups and sticky tape. Children will also be asked to use a lever to work out the force required to move a load.
Learners will compare results and explain their findings. Depending on available resources, this activity could be carried out individually or in small teams.
Tools/supplies needed:
Rulers
Large binder clips
Paper cups
Sticky tape
Weights such as steel nuts, small weights from science or marbles
The engineering context
Engineers use their understanding of how the effort applied to a lever affects the load in designing a wide range of products. From weighing scales to control pedals in cars, nutcrackers, wheelbarrows, bottle openers, and scissors, levers find their application across various industries. By understanding the seesaw lever class, learners will gain a fundamental insight into the principles that govern these everyday objects.
Suggested learning outcomes
Through this activity, learners will gain the ability to identify the parts of a lever and understand how the effort applied to a lever affects the load. They’ll also understand the principle of balance in a seesaw lever and how distance from the fulcrum impacts the effort needed to move a load. This will equip them with the foundational knowledge about levers, a key component in KS2 science, and provide a practical context for understanding mathematical concepts like multiplication and equality.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so that you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation
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Design and make a prayer mat for Ramadan
Using our KS2 lesson plan and template, learners will design and make their own prayer mat for Ramadan using string, wool and colouring pencils while nurturing an understanding of the religious festival of Ramadan
In 2024 Ramadan starts on Sunday 10 March and ends on Monday 8 April. It is estimated that globally 1.6 billion Muslims will take part in Ramadan and will fast from sunrise to sunset for one lunar month.
In this lesson activity learners will look at what Ramadan is, what happens during Ramadan and what is important to Muslims during Ramadan. They will look at existing prayer mats and design a prayer mat using a provided template suitable for the KS2 level.
We’ve created this design activity to support the teaching of key topics within design & technology (D&T), religious studies and art.
This could be used as a one-off lesson activity to develop designing and sketching skills or an understanding of Ramadan. Alternatively, it could be used as a part of a wider scheme of work to develop designing and modelling skills in design & technology and engineering.
Tools/supplies needed:
Paper and card
Drawing implements: colouring pencils or pens, pencils and rulers
Scissors
Optional, if available – examples of actual prayer mats
For extension activities: glue sticks, string, wool, selection of materials
The Engineering context
All designers and engineers need to be able to produce ideas related to certain themes and follow a design brief. This ensures that the products they design will meet the needs of the end users, customers or clients.
Suggested learning outcomes
It is important for learners to understand all types of religious festivals as part of their religious education. This resource combines religious education with art and design and technology with the aim that the learners will be able to generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches and pattern pieces.
Specifically, children will learn the main considerations and features for designing a prayer mat for Ramadan and be able to design a prayer mat that reflects Ramadan using shapes and patterns.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.
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Design a charity box for Ramadan
Using our KS2 lesson plan and template, learners will design and make a charity box using card, glue sticks, split pins and decorations to count down the days of Ramadan while nurturing an understanding of this religious festival.
In 2024 Ramadan starts on Sunday 10 March and ends on Monday 8 April. It is estimated that globally 1.6 billion Muslims will take part in Ramadan and will fast from sunrise to sunset for one lunar month.
We’ve created this teaching resource to support the delivery of key topics within design & technology, religious studies and art.
This could be used as a one-off lesson activity to develop making and designing skills or an understanding of Ramadan. Alternatively, it could be used as a part of a wider scheme of work to develop making skills for graphic products in design & technology.
Learners will look at what Ramadan is, what happens during Ramadan and the importance of charity to Muslims. They will make a charity box that includes a feature to count down the days of the lunar cycle and can incorporate their own designs onto its external appearance.
Tools/supplies needed:
Paper and card (optional: paper plates)
Drawing implement: colouring pencils or pens, pencils and rulers
Scissors
Glue sticks
Split pins
Optional: decorations such as sequins, glitter, etc.
Suggested learning outcomes
It is important for learners to understand all types of religious festivals as part of their religious education. This resource combines religious education with art and design and technology with the aim that the learners will be able to generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion and annotated sketches, and to use a range of materials creatively to design and make this product.
Specifically, children will understand the main considerations and features for designing a charity box for Ramadan and be able to make this box considering the key features required, inclusion of the lunar countdown and how aesthetically pleasing it will be to the customer.
Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.
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Chinese zodiac animals
A graphics project making Chinese zodiac animals that move!
In this activity learners will learn about simple mechanisms (cams and linkages) within a graphics project. Learners will have an opportunity to use templates to help them cut out the parts for a cardboard Chinese zodiac animal.
Download the activities sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Resources required:
Card tubes
Wooden skewers
Glue sticks/ glue
Erasers
Sticky tack
Cardboard
Brass split pin fasteners
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation
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Christmas cracker jokes
Use a net to make a booklet, adding funny cracker jokes and designs to the pages where needed in this festive activity for kids.
This activity could be a main lesson to teach learners how to use nets to make useable objects. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on understanding the use of nets in maths.
The testing of the jokes could be linked with learning in English, as they involve writing and oral expression of the cracker jokes.
This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the primary National Curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within maths and design and technology. This resource focuses on the use of a net to make a small booklet of funny cracker jokes, and these could be used as an alternative to the corny jokes often found in Christmas crackers!
Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded.
Making the booklet:
Step 1 – Download the That’s a Cracker activity sheet. Identify the solid and dotted cutting lines.
Step 2 – Add the Christmas jokes.
Step 3 – ⚠ Safely cut out the booklet net using scissors.
Steps 4a and 4b – Fold the booklet as directed.
Step 5 – Now test out the jokes on friends!
As an optional extension activity, students could create and add their own designs and jokes to the booklet pages.
How long will this activity take?
This activity will take approximately 40-60 minutes to complete.
The engineering context
Engineers must regularly use mathematics knowledge and skills as part of their everyday job. They use nets to make scale models of buildings and other structures, as well as packaging for other products.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will know that graphics products can be made from nets, they will be able to add text to a graphic product, and they will be able to make a booklet from a net.
Download all the Christmas cracker jokes activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your classroom highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
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Santa's suit replacement
Designing a sustainable high-tech replacement for Santa’s famous red suit
In this activity, learners will design a replacement for Santa’s suit that meets a series of design criteria and incorporates at least one technology to make Santa’s work easier.
This free resource will develop creativity and graphics skills in design and technology, as well as increasing understanding of how developments in technology affect our lives.
A activity sheet, presentation and template are available to download for free.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Super sleigh alternative
In this festive activity designed for secondary school students, learners will design a high-tech, environmentally friendly replacement for Santa’s sleigh.
The sleigh will use a sustainable method of allowing it to fly through the air to deliver the presents. This free resource will build knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Engineering.
A activity sheet, presentation and design sheets are available to download for free.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Make a paper Christmas star lantern (Primary)
In this festive graphics project designed for primary aged kids, students will use nets to make parts from card and paper, which they will then assemble into a lantern shaped like a Christmas star.
This is a free resource that encourages learners to have fun with maths. Free handouts and templates are available to download below.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your creative highlights with us @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM
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Make a snow globe
This is a craft activity that all children can enjoy. Using an empty jam jar, children can make a snow globe with biodegradable glitter and a few other items from around the home or classroom.
Our step-by-step guide is simple to follow, making it a great STEM project for children. It is an enjoyable hands-on activity promoting creativity and stimulating imagination. It can be used as a craft project for the home or as a main lesson activity in school for the festive season. As well as teaching design creativity, there are potential curriculum links with the Art department and STEAM-based activities.
What you will need
Clean jam jar or mason jar (no labels) with a tightly fitting lid
Biodegradable glitter
Christmas decoration or festive ornament – make sure it’s waterproof and small enough to fit in the jar
Water
Glue gun and glue stick (or waterproof glue – a tube of clear, silicone sealant will do)
Glycerine or light corn syrup
The engineering context
Building a snow globe is a hands-on learning experience that combines art and science. It’s not only a fun winter craft activity for children, but it can also help to develop their STEM skills. While making a snow globe, children will develop their practical skills and learn about science and engineering concepts such as viscosity.
Suggested outcomes
This STEM craft activity will teach creativity and problem-solving skills. Children can experiment with different arrangements of objects, types of jar, and glitter distribution to create their desired scene. This process encourages them to think critically, make aesthetic choices, and find solutions if things don’t go as planned. It’s also an opportunity for them to express their individuality and explore their artistic side. The use of biodegradable glitter can also teach learners about sustainability and environmental issues.
The activity sheets are available to download for free.
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
You can download our step-by-step instructions below as either a classroom lesson plan or PowerPoint presentation. You can also watch our video tutorial to find out how to make a snow globe. If you’re up for an extra activity, try our number fun activity as well.
And please do share your handmade snow globes with us on social media on Facebook and Twitter using our #SantaLovesSTEM hashtag. You can also send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.
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Snowball catapult
Build a simple snowball catapult capable of firing cotton wool balls in this festive activity for kids.
By the end of this activity, you will be able to:
Engineer a catapult that harnesses potential energy and then releases it quickly, transferring that potential energy into movement as the snowball is fired into the distance.
How long will this activity take?
This activity will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. To extend your catapult design skills and understanding of levers, try the Build a popsicle stick catapult activity.
What equipment will you need?
9 x lollipop sticks, 2 x elastic bands, cotton wool balls
How to do it
Step 1
Stack 5 of the lollipop sticks on top of one another.
Step 2
Place the 6th lollipop stick across the stack of 5 sticks in the shape of a cross.
Step 3
Place the remaining 3 sticks on top of the ‘cross’ stick, like the first 5 lollipop sticks.
Step 4
Wrap the elastic bands tightly around the thick stack of lollipop sticks at either end.
Step 5
Pull a piece of cotton wool from your cotton wool ball and roll it around to make a snowball.
Step 6
Place the snowball on the longest end of the ‘cross’ stick, and press down on the shorter end using one hand.
Step 7
Using the other hand, press back on the snowball and then fire!
Watch Marvellous Marthy and download the free activity sheet today!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
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Make a Christmas star lantern (Secondary)
In this fun and festive graphics project designed for secondary school students, learners focus on the making of a lantern shaped like a Christmas star using folded card and paper.
This activity allows the theme of Christmas to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Engineering.
A activity sheet, presentation and templates are available to download for free.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
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Bake a Yule log
Give making a Yule log a STEM twist by using key maths skills to work on the weighing and timing for this delicious Christmas dessert.
This is a great activity that brings together baking skills, mathematics and creativity, and tastes delicious!
The Yule Log is a traditional cake eaten at Christmas. It is thought that this cake originated in France to represent the wooden log that was burned to bring good luck through the winter months. It was hoped that by burning the log and keeping the ashes until the following year, it would ward off evil spirits during the long winter months.
Download the recipe and teaching notes for free.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM
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Make a gingerbread house
Kids can create a delicious gingerbread house with this fun and easy baking recipe for beginners
This fun and delicious recipe combines baking, engineering, and creativity! With this gingerbread house making project, children will have the opportunity to create their very own edible treat.
This simple baking project for beginners provides a hands-on learning experience that explores the structural components of gingerbread house construction. Learners will examine the shapes and structures that contribute to the house’s overall stability, helping them develop a deeper understanding of engineering concepts.
The engineering context
Baking is engineering. Aspiring engineers can hone their science, maths, and technology skills through baking, as they use precision and creativity to engineer new and delicious treats.
When it comes to making their gingerbread houses, children will need to channel their inner structural engineer to create a sturdy and eye-catching structure. The process of designing and building a gingerbread house requires careful consideration of the shapes, sizes, and placement of each piece, as well as the use of icing as a glue.
Suggested learning outcomes
This gingerbread house making activity offers a range of learning outcomes for students. In addition to developing baking and decorating skills, students will learn valuable STEM concepts related to structural engineering, including materials selection, load-bearing capacity, and stability. With guidance from their teacher or parents and our gingerbread house teaching activity overview, learners will have the opportunity to design and build their own gingerbread house, putting their newfound engineering skills into practice.
By the end of this activity students will be able to design and make a gingerbread house and understand how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce structures, gaining a deeper understanding of the principles of engineering.
Download our free gingerbread house template and recipe
A free gingerbread house template and recipe are available to download. They provide step-by-step instructions, a list of materials needed, and helpful tips for teachers and children alike.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your baking and experiment highlights with us @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM
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Build a marshmallow igloo
Make a fun craft project and use your maths to find out about structures with this quick and easy marshmallow igloo.
Igloos are built out of blocks of ice or snow by Inuit people living in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland. They were used as temporary shelters when people were hunting.
No need to worry, we won’t be expecting people to go into the Arctic and carve blocks of ice, this one is going to be made out of marshmallows – yum! You’ll only need a few simple items to make this project, and it can be an edible experiment too. The magic of maths is hands-on fun this Christmas!
What you’ll need:
• Bag of mini marshmallows or bag of marshmallows
• If you are making the buttercream icing, you will also need
• 70g softened butter
• 150g icing sugar
Activity sheets and notes for teachers can be downloaded for free.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your homemade igloos with us @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM