This is a project I was inspired to create after reading about the work of different acrylic jewellery designers in a DATA magazine article. It’s a great project to run if you have a laser cutter or just hand tools available to cut the acrylic and I find it very useful to use up any offcuts and small pieces of acrylic that may have left in departments. I have used with both key stage 3 and key stage 4 and normally restrict them to only using material from the acrylic offcuts bin. The booklet sets out the brief with space for designing, prototyping in card, and documenting the make before presenting their final solution, finished item and an evaluation. With key stage 4 I find it useful to introduce them to a wide range of issues and details about working in plastics and students have always surprised me with creative work. Essential equipment for me to run this project would be: hand tools, Tensol cement to join the layers of acrylic and a few craft items such as pin badge backings, cufflink blanks, or earing posts that can be attached to the item to ensure a fully working and finished solution, I have found these online easily and in craft stores. This can be run over a series of 5/6 lessons or in a single day if you are running an activity of timetable perhaps.

A booklet to document the design and making of a pewter cast item such as a badge, necklace pendant or keyring with key stage 3 although it has also been used successfully with a SEND class and key stage 4 (lower ability groups. The booklet sets out the brief with room for exploring ideas, documenting research and design ideas alongside space for notes on the pewter casting process. Keywords and teacher feedback is included on the back sheet and it works well printed on A3 and folded int a booklet. I did not come up with the idea of a pewter cast item as a project myself but after working in three schools with a similar project thought it was time to conclude all my ideas in one booklet so students could neatly and proudly display their work.

A selection of evaluation sheets I have used regularly with classes across key stages 2-5. I have found these have prompted students to respond in different ways and allowed for creativity in responses as it not only relies on written responses or individual work but gets feedback from peers. The life cycle analysis will get students to consider the environmental impact of their product at every stage of its production, use or even end of life. I have also used to good success with SEND classes.

This a great project for doing in classrooms or departments without a workshop. The only materials it requires are card and coloured paper perhaps and it works with or with or without access to computers/printers. Basic graphic equipment can greatly extend the outcomes such as access to drawing boards, scalpels, cutting mats etc. The booklet sets out a design brief for students to work together as a team to make a pop-up book. Each student will have to create a page, and these can then be combined along with a front cover and back cover to create an exciting book. I have used this with key stage 3, but it could also be used with key stage 4. Students can complete the booklet with notes on the different binding methods for making the booklet as well as different pop up mechanisms. They can plan the story of their book or the theme. There is also space for research, writing a specification, documenting the making, and an evaluation alongside space for teacher feedback.

A project to develop understanding of branding, aesthetics and packaging design. Using Modelling techniques with blue styrofoam to prototype their designs students will design and then produce an example prototype with packaging that can be evaluated by their peers. Students will also have the opportunity to explore and expand their knowledge of processes including blow moulding of bottles, paper and board types and their use in packaging. this project will run for about 10-15 hours and would be suitable for use in a non-specialist classroom if you are happy to use styrofoam outside of the workshop (warning not to use around carpet as the blue dust is tricky to vacuum up).

Topic 26 is about prototyping. Suitable for preparing students for the NEA Contextual Challenge as well as increasing their understanding of the design development process. Comparing cardboard modeling vs 3d printing and activities to strengthen learning.

A great project that I have used with key stage 3 for two years now. Students design and make a 3D photo frame. The frame is simply made from a small A5 backing piece of material with some wooden edging cut to size by the students and some mitre joints to add a frame to the very front and then students are given a variety of materials and tools to decorate the picture and frame itself. The booklet is used for students to document all of their design considerations, planning and ideas and the making itself. Sections include evaluations, design ideas, a specification and space for teacher comments and feedback. Recently we have begun using the 3D printer to add small elements to the frames and increase the awareness of this new technology to our students. Simple objects could be downloaded from thingiverse or made from scratch if you have time.

A booklet used alongside the design and make challenge/project of an acrylic clock. I have used in different settings with success including both key stage 3 and key stage 4 class as well as with SEND students. The booklet sets the brief with some space for questioning, research and designing. It allows for documenting the making and a detailed evaluation. Students have come up with interesting designs and made fantastic clocks. The project idea of an acrylic clock is not my own and I have simply made the booklet to allow my students to work and keep a record of their design and making. I found the clock kits on kitronik to be excellent but I know there are many different mechanisms available. Up until recently all acrylic parts have been hand cut but we have just got a laser cutter and this has helped students come up with even more interesting ideas and clocks to display around the classroom.

SEND friendly safety cards developed for an SEND school. Displayed next to the machines for students to refer to. Colour coded with some symbol support.

A very quick design challenge that is run as part of a homework challenge for year 7 as they enter the school. Once the entire year group has completed we have someone come and judge it for creativity and use of research. The winning designer is given a prize and certificate and if possible their design is drawn up and 3d printed! (A good opportunity for a student in sixth form to assist here) No resources needed other than basic drawing equipment. if you want to push students away from internet research we send them to the school/local library to get their research.

PowerPoint 12 in the series for the Product Design GCSE. COvering metals and alloys. will be a good introduction of a material area or revision. Activities, information presented for note taking, practice exam questions and a practical suggestion to strengthen understanding and provide opportunity to develop working skills with metal.

Scales of Production is topic 17 of the GCSE PowerPoints. Students are presented with videos, facts and activities to learn about the different types of production and how/why they may be applied. Creative task for extending knowledge that would be suitable for homework or at home learning.

Topic 18, a more detailed at papers and boards A more in depth look at papers and board, beginning with the source and production of paper before setting a creative brief and design task for students to follow that should allow them to deepen their understanding of using and working with papers/boards. The activity requires lots of cardboard and would be suitable for at home learning if some basic tools were supplied to extend it beyond working with just scissors.

Topic 7 in the GCSE set of PowerPoints. Covering simple mechanisms including levers, types of motions and gears. a good introduction to the topic with questions and a project to create a mechanical toy set to strengthen and develop learning.

The 8th in the series of GCSE PowerPoints. This one covers the scientific selection of materials and their properties. It introduces different keywords used in material selection and also shows industry processes such as the use of bubble charts to find alternative materials for situations.

The ninth in the set of GCSE Product Design PowerPoints. This one covers the topic of papers and boards. It works well as an introduction with students taking notes as well as setting a design activity to explore the content further and develop the students knowledge of printed items.

An adaption of the platinum pudding to make smaller serving in cups. Lesson plan gives options for the recipe depending on your time frame. From using pre-prepared parts or making the full recipe to make the dessert ready for the jubilee celebrations.

The first of a set of PowerPoints I have produced to cover the GCSE content for Product Design. It sets out the content to be covered over the two years, the style of learning (TEEP cycle) and some simple introduction activities to get students thinking and engaged.