Structures

Progression in Structures

Children use one handed tools and equipment, e.g., scissors.

Children use all their senses in hands-on exploration of natural materials.

Explore collections of materials with similar and/or different properties.
Talk about the differences between materials and changes they notice, e.g., floating and sinking, melting, etc.
Children talk about what they see.
Offer opportunities to explore scale.

Children explore how things work, e.g., wind-up toys, pulleys, cogs, etc.
Children make imaginative and complex ‘small worlds’ with blocks and construction kits, such as a city with different buildings and a park.
Children develop their own ideas and then decide which materials to use to express them.
Children join different materials and explore different textures.

I can develop my small motor skills so that I can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently, e.g., scissors
I can create collaboratively sharing ideas, resources and skills.
I can refine my ideas and begin to represent them.
I can think about and discuss what I want to make.
I can discuss problems and how they might be solved as they arise.
I can use different techniques for joining materials, e.g., adhesive tape and different sorts of glue.
I can use a range of materials with care and precision.

I know that that the shape of materials can be changed to improve the strength and stiffness of structures.

I know that axles are used in structures and mechanisms to make parts turn in a circle.

Challenge: I know that the three main parts of a windmill are called the turbine, axel and structure.

Structures – Shell structures

To recognise how multiple shapes (2D and 3D) are combined to form a strong and stable structure.

I can construct a range of 3D geometric shapes using nets.

I know that a paper net is flat 2D shape that becomes 3D when assembled.
I can create a stable structure using a wide flat base.
I can use a range of techniques to improve the strength and stiffness of a structure.

Challenge: I can explain why I have joined a material in a specific way.