In this DT KS2 activity, pupils will design and create a traditional-style canoe, emulating primitive technologies from around the world.
They’ll use research to inform the design of a product, recording their ideas appropriately. They will then select appropriate materials and tools to build their design, making modifications in response to problems they encounter.
Finally, they will test and evaluate the product against their initial criteria.
DT KS2 materials needed
- 3 flexible green sticks, 30cm long and about 1cm thick
- broad, flat leaves
- thinner green sticks and twigs
- heavy-duty scissors
- pencil sharpener
Starter activity
Introduce this DT KS2 lesson by asking pupils if they have ever been canoeing, or by showing a modern canoeing video – footage of the British Olympic team winning a gold medal would be good.
As pupils watch the video, ask them to identify and record the key features of a canoe. Alternatively, give pupils a research task to find out what a canoe is.
They could use ICT skills, or obtain information from written and visual resources that you provide.
Scout Adventures organises inspiring adventures for youth groups in the great outdoors.
