Intermediate
40 mins
Teacher/Student led
+75 XP
Teacher-led from the board — pupils need no device

A Helper for a Friend: Plan and Make

Choose a small problem to help a friend and sketch a plan before building a first model from junk materials. Work with a partner and save your work for the next lesson.

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    1 - Getting Started ~5 mins

    Illustration for Getting StartedToday we help a friend. We will choose one small classroom problem, draw a plan, and make a first model from junk materials. Think of someone in this room who has a small problem at their desk, like crayons that roll away or a book that will not stay open. You can say a name if that person is happy to be named, or you can just say "a friend who keeps dropping crayons". Keep every idea kind. Who might need a little helper?

    2 - Imagine: a Friend and a Problem ~4 mins

    Think of one friend. What small problem could we help with? Share ideas with a partner, then we will gather a few as a class. No idea is silly at this stage.

    3 - What Makers Do First ~3 mins

    Illustration for What makers do firstWe choose a small problem for a friend. We draw a plan. Then we make a first model we can hold and fix. Watch the teacher's quick plan.

    4 - Plan on Your Journal Page ~8 mins

    Look at the junk materials we can use today: boxes, tubes, card, lolly sticks, tape and glue.

    1. With your partner, choose one friend and one small problem.
    2. Draw your helper on your Investigation Journal page.
    3. Tell your partner who it is for, what the problem is, and two materials you will use. A short label is fine if you want one.
    4. Point to the parts of your drawing for your partner.

    5 - Make the First Model ~15 mins

    Use the junk materials to make your first model. Start with the biggest piece. Tape as you go. First models often wobble. That is normal. If something flops, fix one part and try again. Keep your plan beside you so you remember who it is for.

    Pupil practice · Investigation Journal
    Module 5 · Engineering: Find a Problem, Plan, Make and Share
    Lesson 35 · A Helper for a Friend: Plan and Make
    Download Investigation Journal sheet (PDF)
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