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Investigate why boats float
Using Archimedes’ principle to investigate why boats float
In this activity learners will learn what is meant by density. Learners will perform an experiment to see whether modelling clay moulded into different shapes either sinks or floats. They will discuss why this happens and how the principle demonstrated allows boats to stay afloat.
This is one of a series of resources produced in association with Fairfield Control Systems that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of waterways to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource focuses on understanding density and, through practical measurement, working out which materials are low and high density, and which will therefore float or sink.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a mould to make the boat shape from the modelling clay or by pre-measuring the mass of modelling clay used.
As an extension students could try adding small items into the modelling clay boat. How much weight can it carry before it sinks? Calculate the density of the ball and the boat shape made from modelling clay.
This activity is designed to take between 40-70 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Bowls and trays
Science beakers/Measuring jugs
Weighing scales
Water
Modelling clay
The engineering context
The waterways (including their protection, maintenance and control) is an excellent context to explore opportunities that working in the engineering industry presents. For example, constructing locks, building narrowboats or making and maintaining boat lifts.
Engineers often make models of working systems to test how they function. For example, a crane designer will make models of different crane designs to see which structures can provide the best support and which designs can lift the heaviest object.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand how Archimedes’ principle works; that is two things are the same size, the one that is denser is heavier; and how boats use the Archimedes principle to stay afloat.
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.
Design an organic meal for a king
Designing a meal for the King that uses only organic ingredients
King Charles III is a passionate environmentalist, who as the former Prince of Wales managed a successful organic farm on his Highgrove estate and has been a big campaigner for environmental issues, including the benefits of organic food, for a number of years.
This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of King Charles III’s coronation to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on designing a meal for the King that is produced using only organic ingredients.
The teacher will first explain what is meant by organic ingredients and how they are different to genetically modified (GM) foods. The teacher should explain the design brief and criteria, explaining that the meal must be made from only organic ingredients, serve two people, be either a starter and a main or a main and a dessert, be colourful and use varied textures, and cost less than £5 per person (optional). The learners will then produce a sketch of their idea.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a partially completed design idea and/or providing a list of organic ingredients that the learners could choose from.
Use the handout for learners to sketch their ideas for their organic meal making sure to annotate their design to show how it meets the design criteria.
As an extension students could prepare the meal in its entirety; cost the meal per portion for the organic ingredients compared to non-organic ingredients; design a starter or dessert to compliment the meal; or create a menu card to be put on the King’s table.
The engineering context
Engineers have a moral responsibility to ensure that their designs are sustainable, ethical and do not negatively impact on the environment. In the case of food scientists this involves considering their use of organic and genetically modified ingredients, and when each is or isn’t appropriate.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand the difference between organic and GM foods; understand the benefits and limitations of organic foods; and be able to design a meal for King Charles III made entirely from organic ingredients.
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.
Design a Royal carriage
Designing a new Royal carriage that is electrically powered
Royal carriages have long been a part of history and tradition in the United Kingdom. Famous for the horses that draw them as well as their luxury velvet interiors and the fairytale that surrounds them. The carriages must be comfortable for travel as well as regal. They must accommodate the needs of the Royal family to be used for formal events as well as wedding transport. King Charles III is known for his commitment to environmental issues and passion for a greener world so could the new carriage be electrically powered?
This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of King Charles III’s coronation to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on designing an electrically powered Royal carriage for the event.
The teacher will first introduce the design brief and explain that the carriage must be electrically powered, show the King’s Cypher, reflect the history and traditions of the Royal family, include features to aid comfort and make use of modern, lightweight materials. Learners will then take time to design their carriage and (if possible) teachers can show how an electric motor can be powered using batteries and then charged using a solar panel.
Use the handout for learners to sketch their ideas for the new Royal carriage making sure to annotate their design to show how it meets the design criteria.
As an extension students could design a mechanical system to covert the rotary motion from the motor to the movement of the carriage and/or produce a functional scale model of their proposed design and test how well it works.
Tools/resources required
Pens, pencils and coloured pencils
A4 or A3 paper
3 V motors
Rechargeable AA batteries
AA battery packs
Red and black wires/crocodile clips
AA solar battery charger
The engineering context
Engineers have a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure that their designs are sustainable and do not negatively impact on the environment. This includes using renewable energy wherever possible to power systems and devices.
Electrical, electronic and control engineers need to have knowledge, understanding and skills associated with circuit assembly, including following wiring diagrams.
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 all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
Create a royal portrait
Create a portrait of King Charles III using reused and recycled material
There is a long tradition of portraits of the reigning monarch being painted and displayed in the royal palaces. They are also seen on a daily basis, with the reigning monarch being portrayed on stamps and currency.
King Charles III is known for his commitment to environmental issues and passion for a greener world and this project also links into sustainability as the portrait will be made by using reused and recycled materials and develops knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Maths and Art. This project allows schools to decide on materials and scale depending on resources and facilities.
The teacher will first explain what a portrait is and why kings and queens have them painted, drawn or photographed using examples from the presentation. The learners will then take some time to study their own faces using a mirror, looking closely at facial features and discussing which reused or recycled materials could be suitable for different features, colours and textures, thinking about how they can make a portrait. Learners will then design and make their royal portraits, with the option to scale up as a class to create a large-scale portrait at the end if desired.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a template with outlines of the head and main features to guide learners where to place materials.
As an extension students could add a background to the portrait and/or add additional features such as King Charles III name, the things he likes or an environmental message. Teachers could also fly a drone over the large scale portrait to get an image of it that can be shared with the school in an assembly or parent event.
Tools/resources required
Mirrors
Paper and card, A4 squared paper
Drawing instruments, such as pencils, colouring pencils, pens and rulers
Scissors
Glue sticks
Portrait template (optional, for differentiation)
A range of reused and recycled materials.
For extension activities: chalk or masking tape, a drone
Example portraits (if available)
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
By the end of this free resource students will be able to design from a brief; gather suitable materials and explore how they might be used to create a collage portrait; and create a visual outcome using recycled and reused materials.
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.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
Create a stone garden display
Create a stone garden display for the school entrance to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III
In this activity learners will make use of the theme of the King’s coronation to design a rock garden in the style of a flag or other item to commemorate the event. They will consider the design brief for the criteria, use a template to produce a design on paper, consider the scale for the final display and produce the final display.
The teacher will first explain what a commemorative stone garden or display is with suitable examples which learners will discuss to state what is good about each example and what could be done better. Learners will then discuss which images should be used, for example, a Union Jack flag or a crown. The teacher will then lead the learner through the stages of design, scaling up, making and installing their stone garden where the class will come together to assemble their display in the designated area at school.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by supplying regular sized pebbles and cutting out the paper rocks to be the same size as these pebbles, then missing out the maths scaling part of the activity. To help, learners could also be provided with images for inspiration, e.g. flags, crowns, school entrance locations, etc.
Use the handout for learners to cut out the 2D paper stones, sketch their design ideas onto them and assemble their stones into their garden design.
As an extension students could create a border around their display incorporating flowers and plants and/or design a new flag to represent the whole of the United Kingdom.
Tools/resources required
Coloured paper – red, blue and white
Scissors
Glue sticks
Alternative: coloured pencils or paints
Paint (water based acrylic paint)
Brushes and water to clean them
Gloves and overalls
Stones and small cobbles
Paint suitable for outside use
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.
Using natural materials is becoming more common in the built environment. It is important for engineers to have a working knowledge of different natural materials and their potential applications.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to design and produce an attractive stone display to celebrate the King’s coronation; produce designs that meet a given brief; and be able to use measurements and scaling when designing.
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.
Design a Coronation throne
Design a throne for use by the new King which includes modern technologies
During the coronation King Charles will sit on the throne. This is a ceremonial chair that is used by a monarch or ruler. Historically thrones have been very ornate, to emphasize the power of the person sitting in them. However, most thrones were produced before a lot of modern technologies were invented.
This is one of a series of resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the coronation of King Charles III to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology. This resource focusses on the design of a coronation throne for the new King which incorporates modern technologies.
The teacher will first explain that learners are going to design a coronation throne for the new King that incorporates modern technologies. Discuss the design brief and design criteria with the learners to make sure that students understand.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by specifying the technologies to be included into the throne, or by providing a feint template of a throne or chair that learners can draw over to create their design.
Use the handout for learners to sketch their ideas for their new throne and make sure they annotate their design to ensure it meets the design criteria.
As an extension students could incorporate multiple technologies into the design or consider other potential uses of the throne that they have designed.
This activity is designed to fill one whole lesson and should take between 40-70 minutes to complete.
Tools/resources required
Projector/whiteboard
Sketching equipment
A4/A3 paper
The engineering context
As new technologies emerge engineers investigate how the technologies can be adapted and incorporated into existing products. This can allow products to function in a different way or to achieve different uses.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to communicate design ideas using sketches, notes and annotations in order to design a coronation throne that incorporates modern technologies.
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.
Test out Galileo’s gravity experiment
Investigating velocity and acceleration down a slope
In this fun STEM activity for kids, learners will discover how to write numbers in hieroglyphics.
This free resource is aimed at primary school children and could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about the works of the ancient Egyptians contributing to learning in design and technology, history, and mathematics or as an alternative method of reinforcing learning in basic numeracy.
Additionally, this could be used to start a discussion on ancient Egypt or to introduce the concept of people using different languages. It could also be used in conjunction with other activities in this theme, ‘Making Papyrus’ and ‘Write like an Egyptian’.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use practical methods to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology, history, and mathematics. This resource is based on the use of Hieroglyphics for mathematical activities by the Ancient Egyptians.
Using hieroglyphic symbols, learners will write down three numbers with values between 1,000 and 10,000,000. They will then swap their numbers with a peer. Can they tell each other the correct values of the numbers?
A free presentation for teachers is provided. The presentation includes a slide showing how the ancient Egyptians represented fractions using hieroglyphics, which could be used for extension work. Additionally, learners could write and solve maths problems using hieroglyphics.
This practical and engaging activity will test students’ maths abilities as it challenges children to think about the value of numbers, rather than just processing stated values.
Tools/resources required
A length of channel or guttering
A tape measure
A protractor
A stopwatch
The results table
A pen or pencil
An egg (plastic or boiled or solid)
Weighing scales (for extension activity 2 only)
The engineering context
An understanding of numbers is vital for engineers to solve lots of interesting problems. For example, factories need to know the quantity of materials in order to make their products and farmers need to know how much food to produce.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this exercise students will know what Hieroglyphics are, they will be able to use Hieroglyphics to represent numbers of values up to 10,000,000 and they will be able to carry out basic numeracy functions.
Download the free Galileo’s gravity experiment activity sheets, including teacher notes, presentation and curriculum links along with a bonus wordsearch using words from the activity to enhance learning.
Easter vacuum forming project for KS3
Use vacuum forming to make chocolate egg moulds
In this Easter STEM project students will learn about the vacuum forming process and its applications. They will learn how to use a vacuum forming machine to produce a mould that they can then use to cast a handmade chocolate Easter egg.
This challenge is aimed at secondary school students and could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the use of vacuum forming, or as part of a wider scheme of learning covering either manufacturing processes and techniques or the integration of different disciplines within Design and Technology.
This is one of a set of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, Science and Mathematics. This resource focuses on using the vacuum forming process to create a mould for a chocolate Easter egg.
Please note that this activity requires access to a workshop for vacuum forming and appropriate facilities for hygienic food preparation, such as a food technology room.
In many school workshops there will only be one or two vacuum forming machines available for use. In this instance learners will need to take turns in using this equipment. They could be split into small groups to make this process less time consuming.
This is a fun and engaging Easter STEM challenge and will take approximately 50-80 minutes to complete.
Chocolate Easter Eggs
Although chocolate was introduced to Europe in 1502, it was initially just made into drinks, like cocoa. Chocolate Easter eggs were first made in France and Germany in the 19th Century. The first chocolate egg in the UK was made in 1873 by J S Fry and Sons Limited. One of the challenges with making these eggs was to form their shape.
Tools/resources required
Half egg-shaped former
Suitable material for forming, such as high impact polystyrene (HIP)
Vacuum forming machine
Stanley knife or other cutting tool suitable for trimming the edges of the formed plastic mould
Chocolate for melting (either cooking chocolate or milk chocolate bars work well)
The engineering context
Engineers use vacuum forming for manufacturing a wide range of products, such as storage containers, children’s toys, baths, and food packaging.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this exercise students will have an understanding of the main stages of the vacuum forming process. They will also be able to use the vacuum forming process to create a mould for a chocolate Easter egg. Lastly, they will be able to cast a chocolate easter Egg from a vacuum formed model.
Download the free activity sheets, along with a fun bonus crossword using the words from the activity to enhance learning.
All activity sheets and supporting teacher notes, presentation and curriculum links are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
Making a vehicle for an egg race
Designing and making a vehicle to transport an egg in a race
In this Easter STEM activity students will design and make a car that can safely carry an egg in a racing event and compete against other designs.
This challenge is aimed at secondary school students and could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about modelling and prototyping, or as part of a wider scheme of learning covering manufacturing processes and techniques. It could also be used as part of an introduction to aerodynamics.
This is one of a set of free resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This resource focuses on designing and making a vehicle to transport an egg in a racing event.
Download our free activity sheet to see an example of how an egg racer could be made. This could be made to assist the development of workable ideas. This could be used to guide lower ability learners or for learners who produce a design idea that would otherwise not be practical to make.
The final vehicles need to be placed on a slight slope for the race. For example, this could be a natural slope, or a plank or board rested on the table. As an alternative to a direct race, the evaluation could be based on the time taken to go down the ramp (which could allow the integration of maths, for example to calculate the average velocity) or determining which vehicle continues furthest along the floor after coming down the ramp.
Tools/resources required
Card
Straws
Wooden dowels or skewers with sharp points removed
Wheels (wood or card) or plastic bottle tops
Card tubes
Masking tape
Glue
Glue guns if available
Scissors
Rules or rulers for measuring
The engineering context
Engineers make models and prototypes to test ideas and see how they will work. For example, they will put a model of a car in a wind tunnel to see how aerodynamic the design is. This helps to make designs that use the minimum amount of fuel.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this fun school project students will be able to design and make a vehicle to transport an egg in a race and they will have an understanding of what is mean by ‘aerodynamics’.
Download the free Make a Vehicle for an Egg Race activity sheets, including a bonus crossword using the words from the activity to enhance learning.
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
Egg drop challenge
A challenge to protect an egg from breaking after it is dropped from height.
In this fun STEM egg drop challenge students will use, make, and assemble a protective structure to save an egg from breaking.
This activity is aimed at secondary school students and could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about the strength of structural forms. It could also be used as one of several activities within a wider scheme of learning focusing on gravity.
The Egg Drop Challenge is a popular and versatile Easter STEM challenge. It is an exciting and engaging way for children to develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
This STEM challenge is one of a series of free resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Engineering. This resource focuses on the egg drop challenge. Sheets of paper are used to make a protective structure to prevent an egg being broken when dropped from height.
Once the egg protection frame has been built learners will test their structures by dropping the egg first from 0.5m, then 1m.
If your egg survives this fall, how high do you think an egg can be dropped from without breaking? How could you improve your design to make it more effective?
If using raw eggs, it is recommended that plastic covering is used on the floor and suitable hand washing facilities are available. One option is to use boiled eggs as these will reduce the mess but still crack on impact.
This activity will take approximately 60-90 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Projector/whiteboard
Raw eggs/Boiled eggs
Scissors
Glue sticks
Paper
Tissue paper
Sticky tape
String
Plastic bags
The engineering context
Understanding how structures are used to protect products is an important part of the new GCSE courses in Design and Technology and Engineering. Structures are used to protect many products, ranging from eggs to supplies dropped from aircraft during emergencies.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this exercise students will know that gravity is a pulling force and they will be able to make a structure to protect an egg dropped from a height.
Download the free Egg Drop Challenge activity sheets, including a bonus crossword using the words used in the activity to enhance learning.
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.
Easter diorama box project
A graphics project that makes an Easter box diorama
In this Easter engineering activity for secondary school students’, learners will use net templates to make card parts to allow them to assemble an Easter box diorama.
This is a lesson plan for an engaging Easter box diorama project. This could be used as a main lesson activity, 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 focussing on the use of maths to understand the use of nets. Alternatively, it can be used as a part of a wider group of resources that use the Easter theme to build knowledge and skills in Design and Technology.
This graphics project is one of a series of free resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resources focusses on the making of Easter boxes using folded card. Nets are used for the box and egg designs. Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded.
Download the free activity sheet for more detailed instructions and for optional extension work. Also included is a fun bonus wordsearch with words used in the activity to enhance learning.
This exercise will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Projector/whiteboard
Scissors
Glue sticks
Card
Rulers
The engineering context
Understanding how nets are used is considered in the making of products and is an important part of the new GCSE courses in Design and Technology and Engineering.
Engineers are required to use mathematics knowledge and skills regularly as part of their everyday job. It is therefore essential that they are able to use nets to allow them to make scale models of buildings and other structures.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this fun graphic design project students will know how nets are used to make Easter boxes. They will also be able to fold and glue parts together to make an Easter diorama box.
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.
Build a popsicle stick catapult
Develop an understanding of levers and build a popsicle stick catapult from craft sticks with this free STEM lesson plan.
This is an exciting and engaging way to learn about physics and engineering. With the right materials, build a simple yet effective catapult capable of launching chocolate eggs up into the air!
This lesson plan is perfect for KS3 students and can be used as a fun one-off main activity to introduce levers.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, Mathematics and Science. This resource involves making a simple catapult which works as a lever to propel a chocolate or mini egg.
This activity will take approximately 50 – 70 minutes to complete.
Also included is a fun crossword using words from the activity to promote sticking learning.
Tools/resources required
Craft sticks (at least 7 per learner)
Small elastic bands (at least 7 per learner, plus spares)
A teaspoon (metal or plastic)
Chocolate mini eggs (or similar)
For the extension activity:
Pencils (or similar, such as dowel rods)
Elastic bands
The engineering context
Levers are one of the simplest machines and are used in many applications. These include pliers, scissors, brake pedals and wheels and axles. The principles of levers are also used in many applications when designing sports equipment, such as cricket bats, golf clubs and hockey sticks.
Suggested learning outcomes
After completing this Easter themed engineering resource students will be able to describe the three classes of lever and they will be able to make a structure.
Download the free Build a popsicle stick catapult 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
KS1 Easter Maths: Count using eggs
Link words and numbers and learn how to count forwards and backwards using eggs in this fun Easter maths activity for kids
In this fun Easter STEM activity for kids, students will cut out eggs with numbers in words and shells with numbers in figures, then link the two ways of representing numbers. Learners will also have the opportunity to count and carry out some simple sums using the cut outs.
This practical maths challenge could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about numbers and counting.
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 Mathematics and Design and Technology. This resource is aimed at learners in reception or early Key Stage 1 and focuses on developing knowledge of the words used to represent numbers.
The teacher will first print the activity sheet onto thin card. Learners should then match the eggs and shells and put them in the correct sequence, either forwards or backwards. They could also use these to count forwards or backwards in multiples. As an optional extension, students could also use the eggs as number cards to carry out some sums. Cards with mathematical symbols are included at the end of the handout. These should be cut around the dotted line.
If time permits, learners could decorate the eggs and shells.
This activity should take approximately 40-60 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Handouts printed on this card
Scissors
Colouring pens/pencils
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this Easter maths activity learners will know how numbers are represented by words and they will be able to count forwards and backwards in numbers and multiples up to 100.
The engineering context
An understanding of numbers is vital for engineers who need to solve lots of interesting problems. For example, they need to know the sizes to make products and communicate these to other people. Electronic engineers use countdown timers to let motorists know when a traffic light will change from red to green, so that that motorists can drive off safely.
Download the free Count using eggs activity sheet. Also includes a bonus maze activity.
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.
Make a papier mâché Easter egg
Learn how to make papier mâché Easter eggs with balloons in this fun STEM activity for kids
In this fun Easter STEM activity for kids, students will learn how to use papier mâché and a balloon to make and decorate an Easter egg that they can use as part of their celebrations.
This activity is aimed at primary school students and could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about making techniques, design creativity and the use of colour, or part of a wider scheme of learning covering graphics-based techniques. There are also potential curriculum links with the Art department and STEAM based activities.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on making and decorating a papier mâché Easter egg with different coloured paints.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make your very own papier mâché Easter egg.
Download our free activity sheet for more detailed instructions, teachers notes and optional extension work. Also included is a fun bonus maze activity.
Tools/resources required
A balloon
Newspaper and white paper
Wallpaper paste (flour and water or PVA glue can be used instead)
A small plastic pot
Scissors
Different coloured paints and other materials for decorating, such as foam letters and card borders
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this Easter STEM challenge learners will be able to use papier mâché and a balloon to make an Easter egg model. They will also be able to use colour to decorate a papier mâché based egg and they will be able to show creativity when designing and making products.
The engineering context
Engineers make product models to test ideas and see how they will work. Papier mâché can be used to make 3D models. Its other applications include masks for the theatre, structures for carnival floats and even disposable fuel tanks for aircrafts!
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.
Make an amazing bunny pop up card
Learn about 3D structures and make a bunny pop up card in this fun Easter STEM activity for kids
In this fun STEM activity for kids, students will learn about graphic products and use templates to help them cut out the parts for a homemade Easter card.
This activity is aimed at primary school children and could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about the use of templates.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow students to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on making a graphics project, in this case an Easter pop-up bunny card.
The teacher will first print the activity sheet, which can be downloaded below, onto thin card and distribute to the learners.
Learners can then follow these steps to make their own homemade Easter bunny pop-up card. Once learners have completed each step for themselves, the teacher can explain why templates are used to make objects and how separate parts are used to make a larger structure.
Learners will share their completed Easter pop-up cards with the class. What do you think went well? What could be improved?
This activity will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes to complete.
Tools/resources required
Glue sticks
Card (various colours)
Scissors
Coloured paper
The engineering context
Engineers use nets and card to allow them to make scale 3D models of buildings and other structures, as well as packaging for products.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this Easter STEM challenge learners will be able to make and assemble an Easter pop-up card from separate parts.
Download the free Make an amazing Easter pop up card activity sheet. Also included is a bonus wordsearch to enhance sticky learning.
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.
Build an Easter bunny basket
Making structures from card and assembling these into baskets
In this hands-on STEM activity for kids, students will learn about 3D structures within a graphics projects. The project will involve using templates to help them cut out the parts for an Easter bunny basket.
This fun exercise is aimed at primary school children and could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about simple structures made from separate parts.
This is one of a set of free resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on building an Easter bunny-shaped basket.
The teacher will first print the activity sheet, which can be downloaded below, onto thin card and distribute to the learners.
Learners can then follow these steps to build their own DIY Easter bunny basket. Once learners have completed each step for themselves, the teacher can explain how nets are used to make objects and how separate parts are used to make a larger structure.
Learners will share their completed bunny baskets with the class. What do you think went well? What could be improved?
This activity will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes to complete.
Tools/resources required
Glue sticks
Card
Scissors
Cotton wool (for the bunny tails)
The engineering context
Engineers use nets and card to allow them to make scale 3D models of buildings and other structures, as well as packaging for products.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this STEM challenge learners will be able to understand how structures are made using separate parts and they will be able to make and assemble a bunny basket structure from card parts.
Download the free Build an Easter Bunny Basket activity sheet below! Also includes a bonus wordsearch to enhance sticky learning.
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.
Build a bunny craft activity
Making structures from card strips and assembling these into animal forms
In this fun Easter themed STEM activity for kids, students will learn about 3D structures within a graphical project. Learners will build a bunny using card strips from a template.
This free resource, aimed at primary school children, could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about simple structures made from separate parts.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on building a card structure, to make a bunny.
The teacher will first print the free activity sheet, which can be found below, onto thin card and distribute to the learners.
Learners can then follow this step-by-step guide to build their own DIY Easter bunny.
If time allows learners could decorate their Easter bunnies. They will then share their completed bunnies with the class.
This activity will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Build a bunny handout
Scissors
Glue
Colouring pencils/pens (optional to colour in your bunny before assembly)
The engineering context
Engineers use nets and card to allow them to make scaled 3D models of buildings and other structures, as well as packaging for products.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this STEM challenge learners will be able to understand how structures are made using separate parts and they will be able to make and assemble a bunny structure from card strips.
Download the free Build a bunny activity sheet below! Also includes a bonus worksearch to enhance sticky learning.
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.
Make a DIY Easter Bunny
Making an Easter bunny puppet with moving arms and legs
In this activity students will learn about simple mechanisms using linkages made from paper products. Learners will have an opportunity to use a template to help them cut out the parts for a cardboard Easter bouncing bunny.
This fun STEM challenge aimed at primary school children could be used as a main lesson activity, to teach learners about linkages.
This is one of a set of resources designed to allow learners to use Easter themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Mathematics. This resource focuses on building a card structure, which uses linkages to make the limbs of a bunny move.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own Easter bouncing bunny.
Learners will complete each step for themselves. Once everyone has made their bouncing bunny, the teacher will discuss the results of the activity with learners. The teacher will also explain how linkages are used to make objects move.
Download the free activity sheet for more detailed instructions, teachers notes and for optional extension work. Also includes a fun bonus activity to enhance sticky learning.
This exercise will take approximately 50 – 80 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Glue sticks
Card or cardboard
Scissors
String
Brass fasteners
Pencils
Erasers/sticky tack
Elastic bands
The engineering context
Engineers must have a good understanding of mechanisms. Mechanisms are used in every machine that has moving parts, from trains, cars, and washing machines to a space rocket.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity students should be able to understand how to use a linkage to create movement and they will be able to make and assemble a bouncing bunny with moving arms and legs.
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.
Digital photography
Create your own digital art
Technology has helped to change the way we make art today. Learners can use this resource created with Archives of IT to find out how to take a good photo then create their own digital art using photos they have previously taken or that are available in school.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will develop an understanding of some terms used in graphics and art, how to capture digital pictures, and how to edit digital images.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of digital art and increase understanding of the creative approaches of different artists. Alternatively, it could be used to introduce or reinforce how to use a digital camera and image processing software.
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.
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.
Downloadable content
• Digital photography activity
• Digital photography presentation
Tools/resources required
Digital cameras (or tablets with integrated cameras)
Computers / laptops / tablets
Image manipulation software, such as Paint or Paintz.
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.
To view the videos, please visit the IET Education website
Digital painting
Create a digital painting
Using IT to create art might seem like a very new idea, but actually it has been happening for many years! Using this resource created with Archives of IT learners can turn some famous artwork into digital art.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will develop an understanding of Piet Mondrian’s abstract geometric art then use paint software to create their own art, inspired by Mondrian’s work.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of digital art and increase understanding of the creative approaches of different artists. Alternatively, it could be used to introduce or reinforce how to use software to create images.
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.
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.
Downloadable content
• Digital painting activity
• Digital painting presentation
Tools/resources required
Computers / laptops / tablets
Paint image manipulation software
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.
To view the videos, please visit the IET Education website