![Hero image](https://www.tes.com/cdn/app-resource-store/5d51d34/img/hero.jpg)
520Uploads
200k+Views
107k+Downloads
Design, engineering and technology
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Make a terrarium to grow grass on the moon
Grow grass in a terrarium to use on a football pitch on the Moon
In this activity learners will make use of the theme of football on the moon to make an experiment of terrarium, so that grass can be grown for a lunar football game.
This is one of a series of resources that are designed to allow learners to use the theme of football on the moon to develop their knowledge and skills in Science, Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on making a closed terrarium with glass jars to show how grass could be grown on the moon, therefore overcoming some of the external temperature issues of growing grass in this environment.
The teacher will introduce the activity and the theme of travelling to the moon, before discussing the challenge with learners. Teachers can carry out demonstrations at stages throughout the lesson to show what is required and check that all learners understand and carry actions out in the correct order.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing pre-measured amounts of materials and marked jars for learners to fill to.
As an extension students can discuss and experiment with the effects of rotating the jars. What would happen if this didn’t take place? Students could also have a go at identifying other plants that could be grown in the terrarium for use on the moon e.g. food plants.
This activity is designed to take between 35-65 minutes plus growing time and of course, caring for your terrarium.
Tools/resources required
Clean jam jar and lid
Activated charcoal
Stones
Soil
Grass seed
The engineering context
Travelling and potentially living on the moon presents all sorts of challenges for engineers to overcome. For example, how will we breathe, how will we cope with much lower gravity, how will we play sports and keep fit? How will we grow plants, grass and food?
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to understand the concept of living organisms surviving on the Moon; set up an experiment to grow grass in a terrarium and be able to evaluate the findings of the experiment.
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Explore electrical resistance
Testing the electrical resistivity of different materials
In this activity learners will make use of the theme of electrical resistance to experiment with an electronic circuit. They will learn how to use an electronic multimeter and will then apply their skills to test the electrical resistivity of various materials.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about resistors and their use. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on the selection of materials for different applications.
This is one of a series of resources developed in association with the National Grid ESO, to allow learners to use the theme of electronics to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology and Science. This resource focusses on practical experiments investigating the resistance of different materials. National Grid ESO ensure that Great Britain has the essential energy it needs by ensuring supply meets demand every second of every day.
The teacher will explain what is meant by resistance and then explain the task to the learners through a series of practical hands-on activities. At the end of the session the teacher will get the learners back together to discuss their findings.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by setting up the multimeter in advance to the correct range before handing to learners.
This activity is designed to take between 45-70 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Multimeters (digital or analogue)
Assorted resistors, including 33kΩ
Breadboards
Crocodile clips
Pencils and paper
Glass of water
Table salt
Selection of materials (for the extension activity)
The engineering context
Many components, such as integrated circuits, can be damaged by high current. An understanding of resistance allows electrical engineers to select resistors to protect these components, ensuring the effective and continued operation of the electronic devices.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to choose materials based on their resistivity; understand the basics of resistance; and be able to use electronic devices to measure resistance.
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Make a flood barrier system
Design and make a circuit to detect an overflow from a river and raise a temporary barrier using Crumble
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 and Engineering. This resource focusses on designing and making a programmable electronic system to control a flood barrier.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by providing a partially completed template for producing the systems block diagram; pre-download the example program onto the Crumble microcontroller boards; and/or provide a diagram to aid with system assembly.
As an extension students could design a mechanical system to convert the rotary motion from the motor to the movement of a barrier; update the program to take account of this mechanical movement (e.g. the time needed to move the barrier); and/or add light or sound outputs to the system to warn people when the barrier is moving.
This activity is designed to take between 70-110 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Crumble controller board and USB download cable
Three red crocodile clips and three black crocodile clips
Three AA batteries and battery pack
Crumble motor
Bowl of water for testing
To make a moisture sensor:
Copper tape
Card
Sticky tape
Scissors
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, designing and making control systems that help the waterways to work more effectively.
Electrical, electronic and control engineers need to have knowledge, understanding and skills associated with circuit design and assembly, and the programming of electronic control systems.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to design and make an electronic control system for a flood barrier; understand how block diagrams are used to represent systems; and be able to use programmable components to solve a real engineering problem.
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Calculate energy use at home
Calculating the energy used by different electrical appliances and devices within the home
In this activity learners will calculate the energy usage of different electrical appliances. They will first calculate the power consumption using P = I V, then use the results of these calculations to work out how much energy each uses in kilowatt hours (kWh).
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about electrical power and energy, and how each are calculated. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on electricity and the National Grid or as an exercise to use mathematical skills in a practical context.
This is one of a series of resources developed in association with the National Grid ESO, to allow learners to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology and Engineering. This resource focusses on calculating the energy usage of different appliances and considering how this could be reduced. National Grid ESO ensure that Great Britain has the essential energy it needs by ensuring supply meets demand every second of every day.
This activity is designed to take between 40-70 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Writing implements (pens or pencils)
Calculators
The engineering context
Engineers have a moral and ethical responsibility to ensure that their work is sustainable and that they do not negatively impact the environment. This includes reducing energy consumption wherever possible. As such, it is important that all engineers understand how products and systems are powered and how much energy they use.
Power engineering is a very important field which focusses on how energy is generated, transmitted and used by homes and businesses. There are lots of well-paid and rewarding careers available in this area.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to calculate the power consumption of different appliances using P = I V; calculate the energy consumption of different appliances; and be able to show calculated data as part of a table.
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
National Grid jigsaw
Make a jigsaw that shows the main elements in power generation and transmission
In this activity learners will make use of the theme of the National Grid to complete a labelled jigsaw of the main parts of the electricity distribution network. They will assemble the different pieces into an image of the National Grid network and use labelled cards to identify each part.
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 & Technology, Science, and Engineering. This resource, developed with the support of National Grid ESO, focusses on learners developing knowledge of the different parts of the National Grid by completing a jigsaw of it. National Grid ESO ensure that Great Britain has the essential energy it needs by ensuring supply meets demand every second of every day.
The teacher will explain the purpose of the National Grid and how it works before setting the students with the task of completing the jigsaw and then reviewing responses and discussing outcomes on completion of the work.
This activity can be simplified (particularly for less able students) by using the jigsaw template with the labels already added.
As an extension students could try using the internet to identify the different methods used to generate electricity, and then discussing what the advantages and disadvantages are of each method. Students could also investigate what a transformer is used for and find out why it is needed.
This activity is designed to take between 25-40 minutes.
Tools/resources required
Card for the jigsaw image and labels
Laminating facilities (if the jigsaws are to be re-used with different classes)
The engineering context
It is important that all engineers understand how products and systems are powered. This includes how electricity is generated, transmitted and made available for us to use in our homes and businesses.
Power engineering is a very important field which focusses on how energy is generated and transmitted. There are lots of well-paid and rewarding careers available in this area.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this free resource students will be able to assemble a jigsaw of the National Grid and be able to identify each of the main parts. Students should also be able to describe the purpose of each stage of the National Grid network.
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
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
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Book themed door display
Decorating a classroom door with a book theme
World Book Day is an annual event where people come together to celebrate and promote books and reading.
This resource was inspired by World Book Day and supports the development of literacy by creating a decorated door that will inspire learners to find out more about books. When passing through the door, learners could imagine that they are exiting their normal reality into the reality created in that literature.
The decorated door could be produced by a teacher or teaching assistant; however, here the learners themselves will design and create the displays.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will identify a favourite book and use this as inspiration to design a decorated door. This links reading in English, the design process in Design & Technology and the use of art skills to produce the design.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to support learners’ engagement in literacy. It could also be used as a learner-led means of generating class/door displays.
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.
Tools/resources required
These will depend upon the designs, but could include:
Paper and/or card, writing and colouring implements, lining paper etc.
Access to an image bank, either printed out or electronic with access to a colour printer.
Scissors and glue sticks.
Sticky tack.
A selection of books for inspiration.
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Design a London marathon costume
Designing a charity costume to wear on the day
The London Marathon takes place every year and is a great opportunity for charities to raise money to support their causes. Can you design an eye-catching costume that runners can wear whilst taking part?
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity, learners will use the theme of the London Marathon to design a costume for participants who are raising money for charity. They will consider how modern and smart fabrics could be used in their design, such as those that wick moisture. They will then use their knowledge to develop a suitable outcome to match the given design brief.
This could be used as a one-off main lesson activity to develop designing skills in Design & Technology and understanding of fabric types in textiles. Alternatively, it could be used as a part of a wider scheme of work to develop designing and graphical skills in Design & Technology.
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.
Tools/resources required
Paper
Pens, pencils and coloured pencils/pens
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Make an Egyptian snake bracelet
**Learn about ancient Egypt and discover how to make a snake bracelet inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery **
This activity for kids will teach students how to make a snake bracelet inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery. This activity will encourage students to design and create, as well as teach them historical facts about ancient Egypt. Resources and activity sheets are provided to help teachers support their students.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will make an example of a bracelet inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery using air drying clay. There are related activities that involve making an alternative form of bracelet and necklaces.
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
Make an Egyptian snake bracelet activity
Make an Egyptian snake bracelet presentation
Tools/resources required
Air drying clay
Sequins
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Marine engineering: How to build a small sail boat
Discover marine engineering for kids and learn how to make a model of a sail boat out of craft sticks
This marine engineering activity for kids will teach students how to make a model of a sailboat out of craft sticks. Students will learn facts about the United Kingdom’s rich history in the field of marine engineering. This includes building sailing ships like the HMS Victory, commanded by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. Resources for teachers and activity sheets are provided to help students further their engineering abilities.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners use of the theme of significant turning points in British history, specifically their achievements in marine engineering, to make a model of a sail boat from craft sticks. They will then test their model to see if it floats.
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
How to build a small sail boat activity
How to build a small sail boat presentation
Tools/resources required
PVA glue
Glue spreader
Craft sticks
Highlighter pens or paints
Material for the sail e.g. paper or card
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Make an Egyptian necklace
**Discover how to make a necklace inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery **
In this activity for kids, students will learn how to make an item of jewellery inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery. This activity will teach students historical facts about ancient Egypt and encourage them to design and create. Resources are provided for teachers to help students make a necklace inspired by the jewellery of the ancient Egyptians.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will make an example of a necklace inspired by ancient Egyptian jewellery from easily sourced materials. There are related activities that involve making an alternative form of necklace and bracelets.
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
• Make an Egyptian necklace activity
• Make an Egyptian necklace presentation
Tools/resources required
Metallic card
Kitchen roll/toilet roll tube x3
Gold/silver/bronze paint
PVA Glue/glue dots
Scissors
Rope/cord pre-cut into three lengths
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Wheel materials
Testing materials to see which material is the most suitable for a wheel
This resource has been developed with the support of the Bugatti Trust Museum and Study Centre and focuses on testing materials to see which material is the most suitable for a wheel using Engineering and Math’s skills.
Ettore Bugatti was the founder and designer of Bugatti sports cars. He was the first designer to use aluminium wheels to decrease the weight of Grand Prix racing cars, designing one of the most successful racing cars in the world.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity learners will test various discs made from different materials to see how they perform as a wheel.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about the physical properties of materials or approaches to testing in the context of practical applications. It could also be used as part of an introduction to the practical use of numeracy within engineering.
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.
Tools/resources required
• Discs of material, 140 mm diameter with a 10 mm central hole; for example, steel, aluminium, acrylic, plywood
• Metal bar or pipe, 8-10 mm diameter
• G clamps or vices
• Masking tape
• Weights – various, 250 g to 1 kg
• Stopwatch
• Calculators
• Rulers and writing implements
• Optional: scales to weigh the discs
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Make an Erhu - a Chinese 2-stringed instrument
Manufacture a traditional Chinese two-stringed musical instrument called an 'Erhu’
In this activity learners will use the theme of the Chinese and Lunar New Year to learn about and make a Chinese two-stringed musical instrument called an Erhu. They will learn about the purpose of an Erhu and its main parts. They will then use hand tools and equipment to manufacture their own Erhu and test it.
The erhu is a Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument. It is used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles and large orchestras. It can imitate many natural sounds such as birds and horses.
Download the activity sheets for free!
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.
Tools/resources required
Tin can
Piece of wood
2 x M5 screw, 4 x M5 nuts
Fishing line
Hacksaw/multi-tool
Drill and drill bits
Hot glue gun
Wood saw
Violin bows (if available)
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 please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Chinese dragon mask
Design and make a Chinese dragon mask.
In this activity learners will use the theme of Chinese New Year to produce a Chinese dragon mask. They will investigate the importance of colour and the dragon to Chinese culture and use this information in their products. They will make two masks, one using an existing template, and another from their own design.
Dragons play an important role in Chinese culture, such as the zodiac, dragon dances, art and the dragon boat festival. The dragon is considered to bring good fortune, harvest and prosperity.
Download the activity sheets for free!
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.
Tools/resources required
Scissors
Pencils
Coloured pens
Glue and sticky tape
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 please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Gear ratios
In this activity learners will carry out a practical investigation to investigate how spur gears work, including calculation of simple gear ratios and assembling models of simple gear trains.
Gears are used to change the speed at which something turns. A series of gears that turn each other are called a ‘gear train.’
This resource has been developed with the support of the Bugatti Trust Museum and Study Centre and focuses on the role of gears in a mechanism. The main activity involves making a series of spur gears to calculate gear ratios and see them working.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity, to introduce the concept of gears in D&T or the practical use of ratios in maths, or as part of a project/series of lessons creating a mechanised object.
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.
Tools/resources required
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Sharp pencil
• Card and Split pins
• Blu Tack (for piercing the card safely)
• Cardboard (Alternative: foam board and thumb tacks)
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.
![IETEducation](https://d2w4qhtqw2dbsq.cloudfront.net/profile_live/3108890/small.jpg)
Chinese zodiac animal wheel
Make a Chinese zodiac animal wheel to learn about cutting and assembling a simple graphic product.
In this activity learners will learn about cutting and assembling a simple graphic product. Learners will use a template to cut out the circle templates for the Chinese zodiac animal wheel and also learn about the twelve zodiac animals.
In the Chinese zodiac, each year is represented by an animal with a different personality. Why not find out more about this tradition and a Chinese zodiac animal wheel from a template?
Download the activity sheets for free!
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.
Tools/resources required
Thin card
Scissors
Pencils
Sticky tack
Paper fasteners
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 please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation