Roundhouse Discovery

Overview

Subject: Design and Technology (D&T)
Year Group: Year 3
Duration: 50 minutes
Unit Focus: Exploring and constructing historical roundhouses
Curriculum Area: Design and Technology, focusing on Structures (UK National Curriculum)
Level: Key Stage 2

Lesson 1: Introduction to Roundhouses and Basic Skills

Objectives

• Understand the historical significance of roundhouses.
• Develop basic design and modelling skills.
• Enhance teamwork and communication abilities.

Materials Needed

• Images of traditional roundhouses
• Cardboard or stiff paper
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• String or twine
• Markers or coloured pencils
• A3 paper

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Historical Context:

   • Present images of traditional roundhouses.
   • Briefly discuss the function and significance of roundhouses in ancient communities. Explain that these structures were homes for people living in the Bronze and Iron Ages.
   • Highlight how roundhouses provided warmth and protection.

2. Group Discussion:

   • Encourage students to think about why round shapes might have been used and what materials were available at the time.

Activity 1: Basic Skills Building (20 minutes)

1. Demonstration:

   • Show the basic cutting techniques and how to safely use scissors.
   • Demonstrate how to roll paper into a cylinder, the core structure of a roundhouse.

2. Hands-On Practice:

   • Students cut and roll paper to create cylinder shapes.
   • Use twine to form a basic structure, tying the tops and bottoms.

3. Collaboration Exercise:

   • In groups of 4-5, students share their creations and form a discussion on what makes their structure strong or weak.

Activity 2: Creative Embellishment (15 minutes)

1. Design Session:

   • Using markers, students add features to their roundhouse models, such as doors and windows.
   • Encourage creativity while maintaining the structural integrity of their models.

2. Presentation:

   • Each group presents their model, explaining design choices and any challenges faced during construction.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

1. Reflection:
   • Group discussion on what was learned and what skills were most valuable.
   • Introduction to the next lesson: Exploring 3D structures focusing on strength and aesthetics.

Assessment

• Participation in discussions and activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in groups.
• Creativity and effort in designing the roundhouse model.

Teacher Notes

• Ensure safety when students use scissors.
• Encourage all students to participate and share ideas.
• This lesson lays the groundwork for developing complex structures in lesson 2.

By creating a supportive and engaging environment, students will not only gain essential skills in D&T but also learn more about historical roundhouses, preparing them for the hands-on construction activities in upcoming lessons.