Building Shelters

Learning Area

Technologies — Design and Technologies Year 2

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• We Are Learning To build a shelter using selected materials and follow our design plan.
• Students will understand the purpose of shelters and how materials can be used to create stable structures.
• Students will apply their design ideas to build and evaluate a shelter against success criteria.

NSW Curriculum Links

• Technologies - Design and Technologies (ACTDEK007): Participate in guided design and technology activities to explore needs or opportunities.
• Technologies - Processes and Production Skills (ACTDEP009): Use materials, tools, and equipment to safely make designed solutions.
• Technologies - Design and Technologies Knowledge and Understanding (ACTDEK006): Recognise and describe how materials can be combined for a purpose.
• General Capabilities - Critical and Creative Thinking: Generate ideas and communicate through drawing and model-making.
• Cross-curriculum Priorities - Sustainability: Consider how materials can be reused or have less environmental impact.

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Success Criteria

• I can follow my design plan to build a shelter.
• I can select appropriate materials for my shelter.
• I can use tools and equipment safely and correctly.
• I can explain why my shelter is stable and fits its purpose.
• I can work cooperatively with my peers.

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Materials Needed

• Paper and pencils for planning
• Variety of crafting materials: cardboard, paper straws, sticks, fabric scraps, masking tape, string, plastic sheets
• Safety scissors and safe adhesive tapes/glue
• Clean workspace with enough space for groups
• Visual examples/photos of simple shelters (e.g., huts, tents)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Set context: Discuss why people build shelters (to protect from weather, animals, or provide comfort).
• Show simple images/props of shelters from different Indigenous and global cultures.
• Recap last lesson’s design ideas/plans for shelters.
• Introduce today's WALT and success criteria using a visual poster or board.
• Briefly discuss safety rules when using tools and materials.

2. Review Design Plans (5 minutes)

• Students review their individual or group design plans.
• Teacher models how to check if their plan includes important parts: base, walls, roof.
• Discuss the materials chosen and why they are good for building a shelter.

3. Build the Shelter (30 minutes)

• Students work individually or in small groups (3-4 per group) to build their shelter by following their design plan.
• Teacher circulates, supports students by asking guiding questions:
• How can you make your shelter sturdy?
• What materials are best for the roof and walls?
• How will your design protect from rain or wind?
• Emphasise safe use of scissors, tape, and other materials.
• Encourage collaboration and sharing of ideas.

4. Reflection and Evaluation (10 minutes)

• Groups or individuals present their shelter models to the class.
• Students explain how their shelter meets the purpose and criteria.
• Teacher facilitates a reflective discussion:
• What worked well?
• What could you improve?
• How did following your design plan help?
• Optionally photograph shelters for a classroom display.

5. Clean Up (5 minutes)

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Differentiation Strategies

For Diverse Learners

• Provide templates or partially completed design plans for students who need extra support.
• Use peer-buddy system to support students who require assistance in handling materials.
• Provide visual aids and step-by-step instructions with pictures.
• Allow extra time for students who need it.
• Use clear, simple language and repeat instructions as needed.

For Advanced Learners

• Challenge them to design shelters that include multiple functions (e.g., door, window).
• Encourage experimentation with more complex structures and joining techniques.
• Ask them to consider environmental sustainability by using recycled or natural materials.
• Have advanced learners assist peers with design problem-solving.

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Extension Activities

• Create a digital presentation or photo journal of their building process using tablets.
• Research and present a shelter from different cultures or historical periods.
• Explore how shelters can be made weatherproof using materials experimented with.
• Design an improved shelter based on feedback and attempt rebuilding.
• Introduce a simple engineering concept such as load bearing or wind resistance in mini teacher-led discussions.

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This lesson engages Year 2 students in hands-on learning aligned with the NSW Technologies curriculum. It balances creativity, safety, and critical thinking while encouraging collaboration. The structured approach of planning, building, and reflecting supports developing problem-solving skills appropriate to their developmental level. This fits with the broader aims of building understanding about design processes and sustainable practices in technology education.