MakeDo
Design and Build Activity
What year group(s) is it suitable for? Year 1 through to year 11
How many students can take part? Up to 60 students working in groups of 3 or 4.
How long does the workshop last? This is a morning-long workshop running between the start of the day and the school's lunchtime.
How much space do we need? Use of the school hall or a similar space is required for a full group.
Any other requirements? The facilitator brings all the required tools and fixtures; the school is required to collect a substantial amount of cardboard prior to the event.
This fun challenge can be tailored to a wide range of ages and abilities, with older or more able students expected to create more complex designs. Using innovative & safe tools, including saws and screw drivers, to cut, shape and join recycled cardboard students design and make creative constructions out of cardboard. With enough available cardboard, creations can be big enough for them to get inside and have moving parts.
Students work in small groups to design and make their model, to a topical brief set by the facilitator.
Popular topics include imaginative vehicles, castles and buildings, or wearable designs.
What teachers and students are saying:
"The children had a great learning experience."
"'Learning is fun' HK and team , 'It doesn't matter if we lose or win, we didn't give up' KK and team."
"Children thoroughly enjoyed being able to use a range of equipment and lead their own learning through their practical activity."
"The morning was fantastic, the children enjoyed and learnt about new ways of joining. Was so impressed how they adapted the course to fit in with the time and hall constraints. Was a brilliant trust STEM day - thank you."
"It was so fun, I really liked using the saw!"
"I loved making a crane.
I can not believe we used saws!
Comments from 2 Infant pupils"
"The children were all fully engaged and felt proud of their outcomes. The tools were incredibly useful and were brilliant for the children's fine motor skills and allowed them to be independent with their making."
"Loved making all the mess. It was brilliant because we don't do these massive things in class and we don't work with other classes so I loved it. I learnt about everything!"
"It was good to see the children work in groups and talk about their projects. They helped each other with the technicalities such as sawing."
"-'I loved making Big Ben, it was so much fun'
-'I liked sawing the windows, it was tricky at first but the more I did the easier it got'
-'I want to take part again!'"