Torches

#TheCompleteSeries6lessons

With a range of teaching materials including lesson plan, slides, activity ideas and differentiated worksheets, PlanBee's DT 'Torches' lessons for Year 4 have everything you need to teach this illuminating scheme of work!

#Lesson1SeeingtheLight

This first lesson introduces children to a variety of different torches and allows them to investigate their materials, uses and components.

#Lesson2CircuitsandSwitches

This practical lesson gives your class the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge of simple circuits and to investigate how to make different switches that would be appropriate for a torch.

#Lesson3ACaseStudy

After discussing what properties a torch casing would need, children undertake practical activities to help them find out which materials they would use to create the case for a torch.

#Lesson4TheDesign

In this lesson, your class will have the chance to design their own torches based on a specific design criteria, thinking about everything they have learnt about torches so far.

#Lesson5LetThereBeLight

Use the slides from this lesson as a helpful starting point to ensure children have thought carefully about how they will tackle their challenge, then allow them to put their creative skills to the test as they create their own torches from their designs.

Please note that, due to the practical nature of this lesson, worksheets are not necessary and, therefore – not included. Children may refer to completed worksheets from previous lessons.

#Lesson6TheEvaluation

Now that you have a classroom full of working torches, it is time for your class to reflect on the designing and making process and to evaluate their finished product.

Free Overview (Medium-Term Plan)

Download a free overview to support your teaching of this scheme of work.

Free Assessment Grid

Download a free, editable assessment grid to support your teaching of this scheme of work.

Curriculum Objectives covered

• KS2 - use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups
• KS2 - generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design
• KS2 - select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately
• KS2 - select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities
• KS2 - investigate and analyse a range of existing products
• KS2 - evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
• KS2 - understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]