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Design, engineering and technology
What is Remote Surgery?
Learn about the robots used to perform remote surgery and the important role of electromagnetism
Telemedicine is a new and fast-developing field in healthcare. Even 20 years ago the idea of a surgeon being able to operate a robot from hundreds of miles away in order to perform an operation seemed like science fiction.
Today, this is not only possible but engineers, working with scientists and doctors, are now designing robotic systems which will be able to operate on patients with no human intervention at all.
This activity is a quick, engaging introduction to a lesson using telemedicine and robotics as a context to explore electromagnetism and the link between technology and real-life science.
Download the activity sheets for free!
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Balancing forces to design a boat
Balancing forces to design a boat
Using knowledge of forces in an engineering design context
The balancing forces to build a boat activity tasks participants to apply scientific and mathematical understanding of forces (resistance, buoyancy and thrust) and Newton’s 3 laws of motion, in an engineering and design context.
Relate speed to the streamlining in boat design and the shape of a boat’s hull. Consider the balanced and unbalanced forces the boat needs to withstand for maximum efficiency. This activity will demonstrate the principles of hydrodynamics, a similar set of principles to aerodynamics but involving water.
This activity is designed to be taught through science and design and technology simultaneously, as a cross-curricular project. However, it can also be tackled independently from each subject.
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
Projector/whiteboard
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 do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Piezoelectric crystal
Discover the properties of the piezoelectric crystal and how it can be used to generate electricity
The engineers behind the Watt Nightclub in Rotterdam turn the energy created by clubbers on the dance-floor into power for the lighting. There’s even a giant battery to monitor the energy and encourage the crowd to dance even more. Doing your bit for the environment doesn’t have to be boring!
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
An engaging activity where students will investigate a simple piezoelectric device.
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.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Boat design challenge – KS3 engineering
A fun engineering challenge for KS3 that will give students the opportunity to test boat hull designs in a test tank.
Through this process, students will learn about the importance of applying relevant scientific and mathematical understanding when refining and developing an idea.
This activity allows students to explore and develop their critical thinking and decision-making skills through a practical approach. The experiment ensures a ‘fair’ set of results is produced. The success of their overall boat hull design is directly dependent upon how well they apply their knowledge and understanding across the disciplines. In addition, key learning points needs to be reinforced through mathematics.
The students could carry out initial research into different hull shapes used for various types of boat, and they should produce an image board of hulls with annotations to explain why the shape of the hull is appropriate for the particular type of boat.
Types of boat hulls that could be researched include yachts, cruise ships, speed boats, fishing boats, container ships, and catamarans.
This activity is designed to be taught through science and design and technology simultaneously, as a cross-curricular project and ideal for use in a STEM Club. However, it can also be tackled independently from each subject.
Tools/resources required
Test Tank (the construction is a fairly simple activity and can be undertaken by your KS3 students (as an after school activity) or by a technician)
Vacuum Former
High Impact Polystyrene/MDF or softwood blocks
Optionally, modelling clay
General Workshop Facilities
Stopwatch
Masses with a suitable holder
The engineering context
The focus of this activity is on the principle of hydrodynamics (a similar set of principles to aerodynamics but involving water).
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity students will be able to understand the importance of testing models and prototyping within the development of an idea, the need for streamlining in boat design and the principles of hydrodynamic design.
Students will also be able to refine ideas in order to improve outcomes, they will be able to relate the shape of the hull to speed and the forces it needs to withstand maximum efficiency and they will be able to apply scientific and mathematical understanding to an engineering context.
All activity sheets, worksheets 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
Smart and modern materials
The new materials changing the way we live
Discover and explore the new materials changing the way we live with our Smart and modern materials activity.
The development of new materials with incredible properties are changing the way we live: from LCD TVs to super light airliners, these materials have quickly found their way into pretty much all of the modern technology around us.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this practical lesson, students conduct different tests on a selection of materials and identify each one from its properties. The tests include Eureka cans, electrical circuits, and other interesting investigations to test the density, hardness, magnetic and conductive properties of materials. This activity can be tailored to include tests that best investigate the properties of the materials you have available.
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.
Please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Tools/resources required
Resources required for class:
Samples of 8 to10 different materials, with more than one sample of each if possible. All the samples should be able to fit in the available eureka cans
Access to accurate weighing scales
Safety glasses.
Resources required per team:
HB pencil, copper coin*, knife**, iron nail, small steel file
Eureka can and an accurate measuring cylinder
A magnet
Powerpack/battery pack, 3 leads, light bulb and holder, crocodile clips
A pad of sticky notes.
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 watch the ‘Nature reinvented’ video, please visit IET Education website.
Water supply
Organise water filtration components to create a safe water supply system
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
This activity challenges students to work in small teams to design a water supply system for a small town of 5,000 inhabitants. They have to work within a budget, including giving themselves a profit margin. The activity offers strong opportunities for cross-curricular work with Enterprise.
The ‘Catalogue of Components’ handout includes a list of possible parts from which students can include in their design of their filtration system.
Water is crucial to human life, but it can also be a killer.
Drinking or cooking water contaminated with micro-organisms or chemicals is a leading cause of disease and death across the world. Poor facilities for the disposal of sewage and other waste water can quickly lead to the spread of dangerous diseases.
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.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Smart sensor card game
Card game to consolidate understanding of electronic systems
The role of smart sensors in our everyday lives is becoming increasingly fundamental. The Smart Sensor Communications topic focuses on what smart sensors are, how they are being used today and how they can be innovative in the future.
Students are introduced to some recent developments in using smart sensors in control systems. Many of these uses are in health care and other high-tech applications.
Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links
In this activity students learn the differences between smart sensors and ordinary sensors by studying some applications of smart sensors. They may also use a card game to consolidate their understanding of electronic systems.
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.
Download the activity sheets for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources (including film clips!) are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.
You can stream and download the related films by clicking on the appropriate link in the related resources section.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Parachuting presents
How to make a toy parachute activity.
In this Christmas STEM activity, kids will use items found at home to make two parachutes and test which one is faster. They will learn about gravity, air resistance and more.
Download the STEM activity sheet for free. If you’re up for an extra activity, help our present find its way back to Santa’s sleigh through the maze.
And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation #SantaLovesSTEM or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.
Handmade Christmas decoration
This engaging activity is one of a series of accessible STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Design & Technology, and Engineering.
Learners will gain valuable insights into what constitutes a sturdy structure and how to ensure it possesses strength and visual appeal. Applying their newfound knowledge, they will craft their unique ornament, putting their skills to the test.
This activity can serve as a central lesson in teaching the construction of robust structures using relatively weaker materials. It can also seamlessly integrate into a comprehensive learning scheme emphasising practical making and assembly skills within design and technology. Educators seeking to enhance their teaching resources can use this activity alongside the IET Education resource: Christmas Mobile.
Tools/resources required
5 sticks of the same length
5 rubber bands
String or twine for the hanging loops
The engineering context
Structural engineers must understand how to utilise weaker materials to create more robust structures, such as using rope to make bridges.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will understand how to construct a strong structure from weaker materials, and they will be able to make a strong and visually attractive ornament that they can hang from a Christmas tree.
Download the Homemade Christmas decoration activity sheet for free!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Oh ho ho, please share your creations with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
The History of Christmas tree ornaments
The history of Christmas tree ornaments is a fascinating tale that dates back centuries. Historians trace the tradition of decorating trees during the holiday season to ancient civilisations like the Egyptians, Romans, and Vikings, who adorned trees with symbols of prosperity and religious significance. However, the modern concept of hanging ornaments on Christmas trees emerged in Germany during the 16th century. Initially, these ornaments were simple decorations made from fruits, nuts, and candles. Over time, the ornaments evolved, incorporating glass-blown baubles, delicate figurines, and intricate designs. Today, Christmas tree ornaments are cherished keepsakes, reflecting cultural traditions and personal memories and symbolising festive cheer and celebration.
Make a trap to detect Santa
Try out this fun science experiment, designed for primary school students, to catch Santa as he delivers your presents by creating an electronic trap!
The engineering context
Engineers need to be able to understand how electrical circuits are drawn and communicated; This includes the use of circuit symbols to produce circuit diagrams and schematics. This knowledge could be used when investigating, designing or making electrical and electronic circuits in the future.
What equipment will you need?
A thin piece of sponge – a washing up sponge is great, but make sure it is completely dry, Scissors, Masking or sticky tape, Aluminium kitchen foil, 3 crocodile leads (you will need another 2 if you do the extension task), A 2 x AA battery pack, A 3V buzzer
How to do it
Step 1 - Cut a square of the thin sponge approximately 10cm x 10cm.
In the centre, cut a hole approximately 4cm in diameter.
⚠ Be careful when using scissors. Always have an adult on standby in case you need help.
Step 2 - Cut two pieces of aluminium foil slightly smaller than your piece of sponge.
Step 3 - Using masking or sticky tape, tape one piece of aluminium foil to the top of the sponge and the other to the bottom. The tin foil pieces MUST NOT touch if the sponge is not pressed down but should once it is pressed.
Step 4 - Attach one crocodile lead to the top piece of foil and one to the bottom piece.
You have now built the pressure pad for your Electronic Santa Detector, but you need to put it in a circuit for something to happen. Follow the diagram in the activity sheet below to connect the components with your crocodile leads.
When you gently press the centre, the buzzer should sound.
Now all you need to do is leave it somewhere you think Santa will stand when he delivers your presents. Just inside your bedroom door, perhaps, or at the end of your bed with your stocking.
When he steps on the pressure pad, the buzzer will sound and alert you to him being in the room.
You might also want to disguise it so it is not noticeable. Santa is old and wise, and if he sees it, he will know not to step on it!
Download the Make a trap to detect Santa activity sheet for free!
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.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
Light up Rudolph's nose
In this Christmas STEM activity for kids, students will test a simple series electrical circuit in an attempt to make Rudolph’s nose light up.
This experiment will encourage students to have fun with electronics and understand circuits.
What equipment will you need?
Rudolph template, Stiff piece of card the same size as the template, Block of wood, 2 crocodile leads, 1.5V or D size battery, A 2.5 bulb with holder, Sticky tape, Blu-tac
How to do it
Step 1
Please print off the Rudolph template and stick it onto a stiff piece of card.
Step 2
Make a hole (large enough to put the bulb through) where the nose would be, keeping the bulb holder at the back. Tape the bulb holder to the cardboard to hold it in place. You can paint the bulb red with a felt tip pen or add some red acetate. Sweet wrappers work well for this!
Step 3
Stick the block of wood to the bottom of the card so that the Rudolph template stands up.
Step 4
Attach the crocodile leads to the metal part on each side of the bulb holder. Stick the battery down on top of the piece of wood at the back with a piece of Blu-tac. You are now ready.
The science behind the experiment
Electricity will only flow when there is a power source within a complete circuit of conductive material with no breaks.
There is no need, at this stage, to explain what electricity is or how it works, but children can begin thinking about what electricity does.
Encourage the children to look around the room to find other things which work on electricity.
They could cut out pictures from magazines of things which work on electricity and then sort them into those which work on mains electricity and those which work on battery power.
Download the Light up Rudolph’s nose activity sheet for free!
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.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
Naughty or nice meter
In this festive STEM graphics project, students will use a net to make a naughty or nice gauge and customise it to their own design.
This activity could be used as a main lesson 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 focusing on how maths can be utilised to understand the use of nets. Nets are important as they allow 3D objects to be made when folded.
This activity is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use Christmas themes to support the teaching of the primary National Curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology, and maths.
The graphics could be added by hand or using IT. The examples at the end of the presentation were made by learners using computers at home during a lesson delivered using conferencing software.
Resources required
A4 paper or thin card for handouts
Scissors
Rulers
Brass split pin fasteners
Drawing and colouring equipment
If available, the handout should be printed on a thin card, as greater rigidity improves performance.
The engineering context
Engineers use gauges to give visual displays of the amounts or levels of things. This can range from the volume control on a television to the fuel tank on a car to a temperature gauge on a machine.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will understand that gauges are used to measure things, and they will be able to make a graphic product by cutting and folding a net.
Download the Naughty or nice activity sheet for free!
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.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your classroom highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
Make electric dough
In this fun science activity for kids, students will make play dough that can insulate or conduct electricity.
Make colourful dough with salt and another with sugar to find out which one will work! Through this process they will learn about conductors and insulators. Students will also learn about ionic bonding.
This is a resource that encourages learners to have fun with science. An activity sheet is available to download for free.
We have also included a bonus wordsearch using terminology from the activity to promote sticky learning.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your experiment highlights with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM
Folded book art
Turning a book into an artistic present!
In this fun activity designed for secondary school students, learners will be given the opportunity to make folded book art by manipulating paper products.
This free resource allows learners to use Christmas themes to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology and Engineering.
A free activity sheet is available to download.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Magic trick
This free resource focuses on the making of a magic trick which makes a pack of cards disappear, using complex graphics products made from nets.
Magic tricks use design and mathematics to make them work effectively and this trick uses boxes that must fit together snugly to deceive the audience.
A free activity sheet and handout is available to download below.
And please do share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Make a woven bag
Use recycled materials to produce a basket/bag that can be used to store small items or presents for Christmas.
In this fun activity for Key Stage 2, students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the weaving process and how it can be applied to make products. This is a challenging exercise that requires dexterity.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about the skills and techniques associated with making textile products using weaving. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on environmental issues within design and technology.
This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the festive season to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, and Engineering.
Recycling helps to reduce the number of new materials we need to make products. Your challenge is to use recycled paper to make a great-looking and strong woven storage basket for Christmas.
Download our free activity sheet for a step-by-step guide on how to make your own woven bag!
Tools/resources required
Recycled paper
Scissors
PVA glue
Skewer or dowel
Empty card box
The engineering context
Engineers must understand the environmental impact of the designs they produce and how their carbon footprint can be reduced, for example, by using recycled or reused materials more.
Structural engineers must understand how to utilise weaker materials to create more robust structures, such as using rope to make bridges.
Weaving is an essential skill for textile designers and engineers.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to apply the process of weaving to create a basket, understand how strong structures can be created from weaker materials, and understand the benefits of using recycled materials to make products.
Download the Make a woven bag activity sheet for free!
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.
Oh ho ho, and please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation.
Animal graphics project
Learn about simple mechanisms and make an animal that moves in this fun and creative activity for kids!
Students will use templates to help them cut out the parts for a DIY cardboard animal, and they will make the parts of a simple mechanism using cams and linkages, which will be attached to a round shaft made from a skewer; This will allow the legs of the animal to move up and down slowly.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach learners about simple mechanisms and how the direction of motion can change from rotary to reciprocating.
This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to support the delivery of key topics within science and design and technology, which could be carried out individually or in pairs. The teacher presentation could be left on the whiteboard as a supporting guide as they do this. Learners may need assistance cutting the cardboard to ensure the cuts are accurate.
As an optional extension activity, learners could add their own designs to their animal’s body and legs. Keeping the white paper template stuck to the legs allows them to be decorated as desired.
Tools/resources required
Card tubes
Wooden skewers
Glue sticks/ glue
sticky tack
Cardboard
Brass split pin fasteners
The engineering context
Mechanisms are used in almost every moving product, ranging from trains and cars to washing machines and door handles that must be pushed down to open, see-saws and scissors. They either transmit motion or change it in some way, increasing or decreasing its strength, quality, or type.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand that a linkage and cam can create movement, they will be able to make an amazing animal from graphics materials, and they will be able to use cams and linkage to make the legs move on the amazing animal.
Download the Animal graphics project activity sheet for free!
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.
Sustainable lighting design
Design and make a sustainably powered light
This fun engineering project for KS3 will allow students to embrace sustainable engineering as they learn to combine scientific principles with artistic flair to craft their unique and planet-friendly light.
This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach about the benefits of using renewable energy and how it can help solve social problems. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focussing on sustainability and the 6Rs (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, repair).
Approximately 1 billion people worldwide, or 15% of the total population, have no access to mains electricity. How could a lamp be powered for children living in these conditions to enable them to read and study at night?
What you will need
Hi-bright light emitting diodes (LEDs).
Block connectors with two pin connections at either end, or solder and soldering equipment.
Insulation tape.
Red and black wires or crocodile clips.
A low power DC generator/motor (a motor working in reverse acts as a generator).
Pre-made or purchased turbine blades to attach to the generator.
The engineering context
Engineers bear a social and ethical obligation to consider the environmental impact when addressing design challenges. Understanding how to generate greener energy is imperative for aspiring electrical or electronic engineers, given that the renewable energy sector is one of the rapidly expanding industries in the field of engineering.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will be able to understand what is meant by, and the need for, renewable energy. They will be able to design and make a sustainably powered light, and they will understand how wind turbines work.
Download the free activity sheet!
All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable so that you can tailor them to your students and your schools’ needs.
The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, helpful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Please share your classroom learning highlights with us @IETeducation
Graphic project to create Christmas gift tokens
A design project to use creativity in gift making vouchers for family and friends
In this activity, learners will make a book of Christmas gift tokens, add some Christmas promises, and then give it to someone as a Christmas gift.
This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Mathematics, Design and Technology and Engineering.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach how to make useable objects from printed graphic designs. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on graphics skills, techniques and processes.
Follow our step-by-step guide to create your very own Christmas gift tokens:
Step 1 – Using the Christmas gift token worksheet, print off the front cover and as many gift tokens as required.
Step 2 – Safely cut out the front cover and as many gift tokens as needed. Staple the front cover and gift tokens together to make a book.
Step 3 – Add your promises. You can come up with these yourself or use the list in the activity sheet.
Step 4 – Give your Christmas gift tokens to someone on Christmas day!
Download our free activity sheet for teachers’ notes and fun extension activities!
The engineering context
Cheques are used as a payment method in numerous engineering scenarios, such as paying for the installation of a new alarm system or payment for the materials needed to build a bridge.
Graphic design is key to new product creation and solving global issues.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will know the purpose of and main elements that make up a gift token, and they will be able to make a book of Christmas gift tokens and add promises to it.
Download the Christmas gift tokens activity sheets for free!
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.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your gift token photos with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.
Christmas emoji
Design an emoji that reflects the festive season in this fun graphics activity
In this fun and creative activity, learners will use the theme of the festive season to design an emoji. They will think about what the festive season means to them and list their favourite things about this time of year. They will then use this list to sketch initial ideas for their own emoji before producing a final design that could be used on a phone or computer.
This is one of a series of free STEM resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the Christmas period to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology, and Engineering.
This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about sketching skills, following a brief and the use of modern communications technologies. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning focusing on the design process or as a one-off transition activity.
Resources required
A round coin (e.g. two pence or ten pence)
A4 or A3 paper
Graph paper (or sheet from the resource)
Pencils, coloured pencils, paints and/or felt tip pens
A fine-liner pen for detailing on sketches
A pair of compasses or round object to draw large circles (e.g. a drinking cup or mug)
The engineering context
The development of ideas is fundamental to the work of the engineer working to solve a problem. To be able to work to a brief is the start of all engineering problem-solving activities.
Suggested learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, students will know the purpose of emojis, they will be able to understand how to design an emoji using a given theme, and they will be able to sketch with confidence!
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 U.K. nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Oh ho ho, and please do share your emojis with us @IETeducation! #SantaLovesSTEM.