Design Technology - Model Treehouse (Key Stage 1)

In this unit of work children learn about structures by designing and making a model treehouse. They begin by visiting a local playground to look at different types of playground equipment. Their shapes and structures. Having discussed their favourite playground activities and equipment, they draw a plan of their ideal playground. Children create 2D and 3D structures using drinking straws and pipe cleaners and are taught different ways of making these frame structures stronger, stiffer, and more stable. Having discussed what a treehouse is and the different types of activities that can take place in a treehouse, children draw a labelled drawing of their treehouse design. Working in groups they use their designs to help them make a model of their treehouse and apply their learnt knowledge to make them strong, stable, and stiffer. They evaluate their own models and those of their peers using the design specifications and identify what they like and what they would improve about the products they have made.

This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions:

1. IDEA Task 1: Visiting the Local Playground
2. Focused Practical Task 1: Making Straw Shapes & IDEA Task 2 – All About Treehouses
3. Focused Practical Task 2: Playground Models
4. Designing Treehouses
5. Making Treehouses
6. Evaluating Treehouse