Inventing with Purpose

Overview

In this 45-minute lesson, Year 1 pupils will synthesise their learning from the “Toys Through Time” unit by designing and creating a new toy prototype from recycled materials. Through guided junk modelling, they will apply historical knowledge, foster creativity, and develop an awareness of sustainability and environmental impact. This lesson links History with Design and Technology, supporting cross-curricular skills as outlined in the National Curriculum for England.

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National Curriculum Links

History

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Recognise the difference between past and present in their own and others' lives (Programme of Study for Key Stage 1 History).
  • Identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods.

Design and Technology

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology.
  • Explore and evaluate a range of existing products.
  • Use the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle and sustainability when designing and making.

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

• Encourage respect for the environment and understanding of sustainability.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, pupils will:

1. Identify and describe features that make toys appealing to children today.
2. Develop and communicate a simple design idea for a toy using recycled materials.
3. Create a toy prototype through junk modelling, demonstrating creativity and purpose.
4. Understand the importance of recycling and sustainability in making toys.

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Resources

• Variety of clean recycled materials (cardboard tubes, bottle caps, fabric scraps, boxes, plastic containers, buttons etc.)
• Child-safe scissors and glue sticks
• Markers or crayons
• Images/examples of historical and modern toys (review from previous lessons)
• Large chart paper or whiteboard for group discussion recording
• Aprons or protective table mats

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter: Recalling Toys Through Time (5 minutes)

• Brief whole-class discussion to review toys studied in earlier lessons (both historical and modern).
• Teacher asks, “What makes a toy fun or special for children today?”
• Record key features shared by pupils (e.g., colourful, moveable parts, make sounds, easy to hold).
• Reinforce understanding of staying respectful to the environment when making toys.

2. Introduction to Task (5 minutes)

• Explain that pupils will become inventors and use recycled materials to create a new toy that children today would love.
• Emphasise the focus on creating toys with a purpose and being kind to the planet by reusing materials.
• Show example materials and discuss safe ways to use tools.

3. Activity: Designing the Toy (10 minutes)

• Pupils will draw simple plans or talk through their ideas in pairs or small groups.
• Prompt with questions:
  • What does your toy do?
  • How will children play with it?
  • What materials will you use and why?
• Teacher circulates, offering support and encouraging use of vocabulary linked to shapes, materials, and purposes.

4. Activity: Building the Toy Prototype (20 minutes)

• Pupils construct their toys individually or in pairs from recycled materials.
• Encourage experimentation, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Teacher models careful use of glue/scissors and reminds pupils to think about how their toy works.
• Circulate to ask questions, scaffold ideas, and prompt environmental thinking (“How does using these materials help our planet?”).

5. Plenary: Show and Tell (5 minutes)

• Volunteers present their toy prototypes to the class, explaining what their toy is, why children would like it today, and how they used recycled materials.
• Reinforce the connection with the history of toys and how inventions evolve but continue to meet children’s needs.
• Celebrate creativity and sustainable thinking.

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Assessment

• Formative:

  • Observations during group discussion and design phase to check understanding of toy features and purpose.
  • Monitoring participation and creativity during prototype building.
  • Listening to explanations in plenary to assess ability to communicate ideas clearly.

• Success Criteria:

  • Can pupils describe what makes a toy appealing today?
  • Have pupils designed and made a toy using recycled materials?
  • Do pupils articulate how their toy reflects the needs/interests of children today and shows awareness of sustainability?

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Differentiation

• Support:

  • Provide templates or simple shape cut-outs for pupils who find drawing difficult.
  • Pair less confident pupils with supportive partners during design and making.

• Challenge:

  • Encourage more able pupils to think about moving parts or combining materials innovatively.
  • Prompt consideration of environmental benefits beyond recycling – e.g., how long the toy might last or how it could be repaired.

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Cross-Curricular Opportunities

• Literacy:
  • Developing speaking and listening skills through discussion and presentation.
• Science:
  • Basic properties of materials (rigid, flexible, smooth).
• Art:
  • Using colour, shape, and texture creatively.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Were pupils engaged in linking past toy features with their new designs?
• Did pupils demonstrate understanding of recycling and sustainability in their choices?
• How effective were the materials and tools in supporting creativity and safe working?
• Plan to provide follow-up opportunities for refining toy prototypes or creating instructional drawings.

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This lesson invites Year 1 pupils to integrate historical knowledge, creativity, and environmental responsibility, fostering holistic skills aligned with the National Curriculum. The hands-on, purposeful design task ensures active engagement and memorable learning.