Design Technology - Monkey Business (Key Stage 1)

In this unit of work children learn about structures by designing and making a model of a monkey enclosure for the local zoo. They begin by visiting a local playground to look at the 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. Using information from either a visit to a zoo or from watching a video of different monkeys and primates in zoos, children design a new enclosure for monkeys. They use their ideas and designs to help them create a model of a monkey enclosure applying different skills and techniques to make their structure strong, stiff and stable.

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 and IDEA Task 2: Monkeying Around
3. Focused Practical Task 2: Playground Models
4. Designing Session
5. Making Session
6. Evaluating Session