Building Our Torches

Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 30 students
Unit: Brilliant Torch Designs (Lesson 4 of 6)
Age group: Year 4 (8–9 years old)
Subject: Art and Design
Theme: Practical construction of torch designs
Focus: Safe use of tools, cutting, assembling, and following design specifications

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Safely use child-appropriate cutting and joining tools/materials to build parts of their torch.
• Follow their personal design plans and success criteria accurately during construction.
• Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between design and function in their torch.
• Engage collaboratively and responsibly in a practical workshop environment.

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Curriculum Links

This lesson is designed to meet the following UK National Curriculum objectives relevant to Art & Design and Design & Technology for Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6):

• Design and Technology (DfE 2013):

  • Design: Use research and criteria to develop products which are fit for purpose.
  • Make: Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks accurately.
  • Evaluate: Evaluate ideas and products against their own design criteria.

• Art & Design:

  • Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
  • Develop ideas through experimenting and combining materials.

• PSHE / Health & Safety:

  • Understand the importance of safety and responsible behaviour in practical activities.

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Resources and Materials

• Pre-prepared components/materials for torches: card tubes, coloured paper, foil, plastic bottles, LED lights, batteries (battery holders safer than loose batteries), tape, glue sticks, masking tape, scissors, safety knives with supervision
• Scissors (round-ended for safety) and small saws for older pupils
• Hot glue guns with adult supervision or strong, child-safe adhesives
• Pencil and rulers
• Personal Design Sheets (from previous lessons) with success criteria checklist
• Safety gloves (optional)
• Visual Safety Posters
• Timer/clock for activity pacing

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Classroom Setup

• Work in pairs or small groups (2-3), with enough space for safe tool handling.
• Materials and tools organised at central stations with a clear safety zone.
• Teacher/TA positioned to supervise tool usage closely.

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Lesson Outline

1. Starter Activity – 10 minutes

Objective: Recap design plans and safety rules

• Gather whole class around a display area of torch templates/examples.
• Briefly review design plans each student created in previous lessons. Recap how their torch should look and function.
• Introduce safety rules for cutting and assembling tools:
  • Always carry scissors sideways and hand using the handle.
  • Only use tools when given permission and with supervision.
  • Wear safety gloves if needed.
• Use a short, interactive quiz or flashcards about tool safety to reinforce understanding.

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2. Main Activity – 40 minutes

Objective: Begin constructing torches following design plans

• Students collect their materials and tools from labelled stations.
• Teacher demonstrates step-by-step how to:
  • Cut components safely and accurately (e.g., cutting card tubes to length).
  • Join components using tape, glue, or safe fastenings.
  • Check alignment and fit as per their designs.
• Students begin cutting and assembling their torches.
• Teacher and TA circulate for individual support, especially supervising tool use.
• Encourage students to refer to their personal success criteria checklist frequently.
• Introduce peer-to-peer support: pairs can check each other’s work to foster collaboration and quality control.
• Use a visible timer to motivate active engagement and pacing.

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3. Plenary – 10 minutes

Objective: Reflect and confirm safety and success criteria

• Bring class back together.
• Encourage students to share what they managed to build and any challenges faced.
• Ask: “How did you make sure your torch followed your design?”
• Discuss any safety incidents or close calls (if any), reinforcing safe practice.
• Have students mark their progress on a success criteria checklist handout.
• Briefly outline what will happen next lesson: completing and decorating torches.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide ready-cut parts for students with fine motor skill difficulties. Use larger, easier-to-handle materials.
• Challenge: Encourage some students to experiment with alternative joining techniques or add simple circuits for light function (very basic switch design).
• EAL/Additional Needs: Use pictorial instructions alongside written directions. Partner students carefully for peer support.

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Assessment for Learning (AfL)

• Observation of tool handling and adherence to safety rules.
• Check completed components against design success criteria.
• Questioning to assess understanding of design-to-production link.
• Plenary feedback to consolidate learning and assess confidence.

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Health and Safety Considerations

• All tools and glues to be child-safe, with adult supervision at all times.
• Clear rules communicated and enforced throughout the lesson.
• First aid kit to be readily available.
• Task areas cleaned regularly to avoid hazards.

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Extension Ideas

• Plan a 'torch trial' activity for next lesson, where students test functionality and light effectiveness.
• Invite a local artisan or engineer to demonstrate professional assembly techniques.

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Reflection and Next Steps

Teachers are encouraged to note which students need more practice with tool use or design planning and plan catch-up sessions in future lessons. Use photos of student work for a digital portfolio to show iterative learning and progress through the unit.

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This detailed lesson plan promotes creativity, practical skills, and safety mindfulness aligned with UK educational standards, ensuring pupils build confidently on their design knowledge while constructing their brilliant torches.