With our history of design KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners will make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by making a pinhole camera based on early Victorian photography technology. In this classroom project learners will learn about early camera obscuras developed during the Victorian era. They will then make their own pinhole camera from a small shoebox, based on this early technology. Finally, they will test their camera and observe how it works. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners basic marking out and model making skills. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian-themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Make a pinhole camera inspired by the early photography of the Victorian era Learners will discuss the origins of cameras and photography in Britain and the United Kingdom including the fact that in Victorian times many women took up taking photos as a hobby. Learns will then make their own pinhole camera and test it by going into a dark room, turning on a lamp and pointing the camera towards it. Tools/supplies needed: Cardboard box or shoebox Wax paper Parcel tape Craft knife Scissors Pin to make the pinhole Pencil and ruler Follow our step-by-step guide to make a pinhole camera The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about early photography us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology, Maths and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will know what is meant by the Victorian era and the dates it covered, be able to make and test a pinhole camera and be able to explain how the pinhole camera works. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources for free! All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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.

With our science and design and technology KS2 lesson plan teaching resource, learners will perform an experiment to learn how filament light bulbs and basic electricity works. Inspired by the theme of the Victorians, this activity supports the teaching of design and technology in context by looking at the key events that defined the Victorian era, and how they have influenced engineering developments and society today. In this classroom activity learners will learn about the Victorian era and the changes to how people lived and worked during this time. They will learn about how Thomas Edison invented the first practical light bulb before building a simple light bulb circuit to investigate how it works. This teaching resource activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the influence of historical events on engineering and society as a whole. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on the history of design, technology and engineering, alongside other Victorian themed IET resources. We’ve created this teaching resource design activity to support the delivery of key topics within science, history, design & technology (D&T) and engineering. Activity: Learn about how filament light bulbs and basic electricity works Learners will discuss what the Victorian era was, when it occurred and why it was such an important period of time. They will learn about Thomas Edison’s light bulb and then build a bulb circuit and prove that it works. Tools/supplies needed: AA battery and holder 1.5 V lamp and holder Red crocodile clip Black crocodile clip Pens and pencils Lined paper The Engineering Context Understanding about the history of engineering and design helps engineers to learn from past successes and mistakes. For example, learning about electric lighting helps us to understand the science behind these ideas and how this can be used and developed to make better products in future. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering with History, with the aim that the learners will be able to make a simple light bulb circuit and understand how a simple light bulb circuit works. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources All classroom activity sheets and supporting teaching 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.

In this fun STEM activity, learners will make an erupting volcano science experiment using sodium bicarbonate and vinegar. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about chemical reactions, which are processes that change one or more substances into different substances. This science experiment can also explain foams, which are liquids or solids containing gas bubbles. Activity: Erupting volcano experiment This activity is one of a set of free STEM resources designed to help learners use seasonal themes to support the delivery of key topics in Design and Technology, Science, and Mathematics (STEM). This resource is part of a group for the Summer and can be used in school or at home. It involves making a model of an erupting volcano using baking soda and vinegar. When sodium bicarbonate and vinegar are mixed, they react to produce carbon dioxide gas. This gas is what causes the foaming mixture and the eventual dissolution of the solid. The new liquid solution that is produced is relatively safe, but it is important to avoid getting it in your eyes or on your clothes. Safety glasses should be worn if required by the school’s risk assessment. The lava produced can be disposed of by washing it down the sink with plenty of water. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 40-65 minutes to complete. Teachers can download the activity sheet below for a detailed lesson plan. Those completing the activity at home can download the family activity for a step-by-step guide on making an erupting volcano at home. The engineering context Engineers use chemical reactions to solve a variety of problems. For example, rocket engineers mix fuel and oxidiser to create a reaction that produces thrust, propelling the rocket into space. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to make an erupting volcano using bicarbonate and vinegar, and they will understand that a reaction is when one or more substances are changed to a different substance. Download the free activity sheet 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 teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this fun activity for KS2, students will make balloon race cars from plastic construction blocks, such as LEGO®. Using balloons to power their vehicles, they will measure their speed over a set distance. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity to introduce students to the forces that cause movement or pneumatics. Activity: Build a LEGO balloon race car This resource is part of a set designed to help learners develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Engineering, Science, and Mathematics (STEM) using summer themes. This resource can be used in school or at home and involves building balloon-powered cars from plastic construction blocks. When making their balloon race car, students can be encouraged to use as many wheels as they want (3, 4, 6, or 8 have all been used effectively). They can also add any additional features they want for creativity, but keep in mind that these may slow the vehicle down. This activity could be carried out individually; however, the speed measurement should ideally be carried out in pairs or small groups. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 40-60 minutes to complete. The engineering context Space rockets and jet engines use the force of gas expelled from the vehicle to move it. This is called thrust. The faster the gas is expelled, the greater the thrust, and the faster the vehicle will move. Calculating the speed is important for almost all powered vehicles, from family cars to Formula 1 racers to space rockets. The speed of a vehicle determines how much thrust is required to move it and how long it will take to reach its destination. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will be able to build a moving car using plastic construction blocks, they will be able to accurately measure the time taken by an activity, and they will have learned a simple way to calculate speed. Download the free activity sheet 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 teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

In this engaging design and technology project for KS2, students will build a model of the Leonardo da Vinci bridge where the parts are not joined together… This activity will teach learners about the use of simple construction techniques as they assemble a working, load-bearing bridge. The bridge can then be tested to destruction, which can help learners understand the forces that act on bridges and how to design them to be strong and stable. This activity can be used as a main lesson activity or as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning about structures and Design for Living. It can be adapted to different age groups and abilities and can be used to teach a variety of concepts, such as forces, structures, and materials. Activity: How to make a Leonardo da Vinci bridge This resource is part of a set designed to help learners use seasonal themes to support the delivery of key topics in Design and Technology and Engineering. This resource is part of a group for the Summer and can be used in school or at home. It involves building a load-bearing bridge structure made up of simple members without any joining methods. This activity is aimed at the high end of Key Stage 2 and should be carried out in pairs or small groups, as a minimum of two pairs of hands are needed, along with some dexterity. How long will this activity take to complete? This activity will take about 60-90 minutes to complete. Teachers can download the activity sheet below for a detailed lesson plan. Parents can download the family activity for a step-by-step guide on how to help their children build a Leonardo Da Vinci bridge at home. The engineering context Using scale models is a development tool used in many areas of Engineering. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity, students will understand how forces can act on parts of a structure to make it stand without extra support or joining methods, and they will look at the engineering work of Leonardo da Vinci. Download the free activity sheet below! 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 teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation

**In this engaging activity learners will have fun with science by making invisible ink from lemon juice mixed with water. ** Learners will then have the opportunity to write secret messages to their friends. Finally, they will use heat to reveal the messages. This is one of a set of free STEM resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within Mathematics and Design and Technology. This resource can be carried out either in school or at home. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about how substances can change colour when heated. How long will this activity take? This activity will take approximately 40-60 minutes to complete. Tools/resources required Lemons of bottle of lemon juice Water Small bowls Cotton buds/paint brushes White paper Hairdryer or lamp The engineering context Engineers are able to use colour changing chemicals to show that something is present. For example, bioengineers working with soil use litmus paper to see if the soil is acidic. Blue litmus paper turns red when it is placed in acidic soil. Materials engineers have created smart materials that can change their properties – for example, thermochromic pigment is used in food packaging to change colour when the food is heated to the correct temperature. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will know that some substances change colour when heated, they will be able to make invisible ink from lemon juice and they will be able to write secret messages. Download the free Making invisible ink activity sheet! 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. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of World War 2 to learn about how FM radio was used by the Allied forces during the war. They will then assemble a circuit that acts as an FM radio receiver. Finally, they will test their circuit to see how well it works. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about how radio and radio systems work, and how to assemble a radio receiver circuit. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on electronic systems and circuits, or as part of a wider theme-based project on World War 2. This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of the second world war to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on learners assembling an FM radio receiver circuit. This is a challenging activity that involves assembling a bought-in kit of parts using soldering irons. It is aimed at Year 6 pupils with good ability in Design & Technology. Tools/supplies needed: Solder FM radio kit including PCB and all required components Soldering irons Soldering iron stand and damp sponge Desk protector board Safety glasses Wire cutters Wire strippers Extension Design a casing for the radio circuit Make a model of your casing in card Design a carry case for the radio The Engineering Context Engineers need to be able to understand how electronic circuits are made and how they work, for example how to construct and investigate the function of a radio circuit. Engineers need to understand the historical context of different technological inventions, such as radio, and how they were used. This helps them to learn from mistakes made and produce improved products and systems. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Design and Technology and Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to understand how FM radio was used during the second world war, to be able to make and test an FM radio receiver circuit and to be able to use circuit assembly and soldering equipment safely. 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. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to make a spider’s web decoration. They will learn about the history of Halloween and why spiders and spiders’ webs are an important part of it. They will then use threads to make their own spiders web on a card backing. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about threading and simple textiles hand-making skills. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on designing and making products within a Halloween-themed context, alongside other IET Halloween themed resources. **Activity: Making a spider’s web for Halloween ** Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn why spider’s make webs, to explore the properties of spider’s webs and use their finding to create their own web using string or wool. **Tools/supplies needed: ** String or wool (or cotton for the extension) Scissors and/or craft knife A large piece of corrugated cardboard e.g. from the side of a box Optional Spider cut-outs Googly eyes Glue gun or superglue The Engineering Context Engineers can learn a lot from nature in terms of how to design and make products and structures. For example how spiders’ webs influence the design of suspension bridges. **Suggested learning outcomes ** This resource combines Design and Technology with Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to understand the origins of Halloween and how it is celebrated today, know how a spider makes its web and be able to use thread and knots to construct a spiders’ web. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources 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. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

This resource focusses on learners working out the names of the main bones within the human body and then using their knowledge of these bones to complete the activity. In this project learners will learn about the movement of the bones in the human body. They will then make their own dancing skeleton from card. Finally, they will test their skeleton and observe how it works. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about human anatomy. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the human body, mechanisms and movements, or designing and making products within a Halloween-themed context, alongside other IET Halloween themed resources. Activity: Making a dancing skeleton with movable arms and legs Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn all about the skeleton – what it is, it’s function and importance within the human body. Tools/supplies needed: Scissors Card or cardboard Glue Paper fasteners String Drinking straws Tape Eraser or ball of sticky tack Optional: thin wood/bamboo skewers with the points removed Extension Can you add linkages to make the body move differently? Or make more than one limb move at the same time? Can you make the arms and legs bend at the elbows and knees? The Engineering Context Understanding about how something works helps engineers understand how to improve it. It can also give inspiration for other products or objects. Learning how the human body works and moves can help Engineers to transfer this into other objects, such as walking robots or prosthetic limbs. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering, with the aim that the learners will be able to know what is meant by a skeleton, be able to name and locate major bones in the human body and be able to make a model of a skeleton using graphics materials. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources 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. You can download our step-by-step instructions below as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

This resource focusses on learners working out whether creatures and objects with different masses will successfully balance a lever, in this case the witch’s broomstick. In this activity learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn how a simple lever works and how it can be balanced. They will work through a series of examples to see whether different animals sat at each end of the broomstick will balance it or not. They will then find as many ways of balancing the broomstick as possible, using a given set of creatures, animals and objects with different masses. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about simple levers and how they work, or to introduce the concept of levers, mass and balancing. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on simple mechanical systems and/or the use of mathematics in context. Activity: Use maths to balance a lever supporting different loads Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to learn how a simple lever works and how it can be balanced. They will work through a series of examples to see whether different animals sat at each end of the broomstick will balance it or not. They will then find as many ways of balancing the broomstick as possible, using a given set of creatures, animals and objects with different masses. Tools/supplies needed: Pens and pencils Paper or exercise books For the extension, investigate the effect of moving animals up and down the broomstick. The Engineering Context Engineers need to be able to understand and apply mechanical principles so they can use them when solving problems. For example, how levers work and how they can be used in the design of different mechanical systems. Engineers need to understand basic mathematical concepts, such as how units of measurement are used, and how these principles are applied in context. Suggested learning outcomes This resource combines Science, Design and Technology and Engineering with Mathematics, with the aim that the learners will be able to understand how a simple lever works and understand how to balance a lever with different masses. Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources 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. You can download our step-by-step instructions as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation. Please do share your highlights with us @IETeducation.

Learn how to make a shadow puppet for Halloween using card, craft sticks and sticky tape This resource focuses on making shadow puppets and developing supporting knowledge about the relationship between light and shadow. This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology and science. This could be used as a one-off activity in D&T or science and is designed to be carried out individually. The ‘character’ for the puppet made by each learner could be based on personal preference or could be linked to learning in literacy – for example, a character from ‘Wind in the Willows’ if that book is being studied. If linked in this way, the activity could be carried out in small teams, with each team member making a different character from the story. Additional time could be allowed to research the character for the puppet. The shape of the puppet could be taken from the associated handout, from outlines of images found on the internet, or drawn by hand by the learners. This is an engaging and practical exercise for KS2 that will develop students’ science knowledge and encourage their creativity. How long will this activity take? This activity will take approximately 20-40 minutes to complete. It should be noted that there are options presented in the activity sheet which could extend the time needed to carry out this activity. Tools/resources required Card (photocopies of handouts, if used) Masking tape Craft sticks Tracing paper (for screen) Large boxes (for extension activity) Scissors Torches The engineering context Engineers need to understand how light behaves when designing products for many practical applications. For example, when designing buildings, they may consider the provision of windows and artificial lighting; and when designing cars, they may consider the power and position of both internal and external lights and the placement of mirrors. Suggested learning outcomes By the end of this activity students will know that blocking the path of light causes a shadow and to be able to use scissors to make a graphic product. This resource focuses on making shadow puppets and developing supporting knowledge about the relationship between light and shadow. 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. Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.