This 'unplugged' activity by Barefoot Computing, introduces pattern recognition and the idea that algorithms can be repurposed. Cooking recipes are analysed to find parts that are common to more than one. Reusable parts are then borrowed to create new recipes which the children share with the class. Additional...

This study unit offers some practical strategies that teachers, particularly those who are newly qualified (NQTs), can use to improve their understanding and selection of different teaching models. The unit provides strategies to develop teaching skills, practical tips...

Produced by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in 2009, this guidance supports the planning, development and implementation of the curriculum for students with learning difficulties. It draws on effective practice across a range of schools and can be used in...

The growth of plants in space is a keen area of experimentation, including ongoing work aboard the International Space Station. Successful crops will help astronauts to spend longer in space, boosting their healthy diet while reducing the mass of prepared food that must be transported from Earth.

Using a...

This resource contains a series of lessons which are designed to extend students’ knowledge and understanding of plastics and plastic waste on a global scale. Linking to materials and their properties, the environment, recycling and design and technology, they contain investigations and activities aimed at both...

This resource aimed at upper primary contains a series of lessons which look at the means by which machines (cams, levers, gears and pulleys) transform force into movement. The first lesson provides the context for the project in the form of a story, where students are asked to create a counter to count visitors to...

This resource, produced by the Design and Technology Association (DATA), contains 24 innovative design and technology units for use in the primary classroom together with a handbook to advise teachers of the best use of the materials. The resource begins by making the argument for including design and technology in...

Produced by the Association for Science Education (ASE), this book looks at technology from an historical perspective and through a series of engaging stories, each of which is linked with possible design-and-make projects. The stories in the book are:

Children of the Grasses In ancient...

Robots are really useful in space as they can do lots of different jobs, some of which are too difficult or dangerous for humans. This activity looks at the different uses of robots in space exploration, with children...

Produced by the Nuffield Foundation, the activities in this booklet use paper carrier bags as a context in which to explore designing, making and evaluating. There are a series of small tasks that encourage children to consider:

[b]The form of products[/b]
Paper carrier bags are usually mass produced...

One of the trial units from the Nuffield Primary Solutions in Design and Technology. In this unit, teachers can examine what children already know about a particular sort of product, some of the values they have with regard to the product and set the scene for them to find out more.

One of the trial units from the Nuffield Primary Solutions in Design and Technology. In this unit, children examine different every day tools, such as potato peelers. The aim of the task is to examine how a number of tools are used and consider how they could be designed differently.

One of the trial units from the Nuffield Primary Solutions in Design and Technology. Children consider testing proceedures to evaluate what food they like and don't like. Testing food products requires a more subjective response than the testing of other products. It is important to develop a considered view of why...

One of the trial units from the Nuffield Primary Solutions in Design and Technology. In this unit, children examine containers of varying sorts, their contents and why they are the shape they are - everyday items.

Use questions to guide the students' thinking about the purpose and possible uses for a number...