Design and Technology

Research 

Choose an everyday object and find out who invented it, how it has changed over time, and what materials are used. Then, think of a way to improve the design or make it more eco-friendly. 

Choose a material like wood, metal, plastic, or fabric. Find out where it comes from and why it's useful in design. Find out what products are made from it and explain why you think they chose this.  

Create 

Think of a problem people face at home, at school, or in the community (e.g. messy desks, tangled headphones, or carrying too many books). Design a product that could help solve that problem, and draw or build a simple model of it. Label the key features and explain how your invention works. 

Think about what makes a school bag useful — like strong straps, pockets, and waterproof fabric. Draw your own design for a new and improved school bag using a range of materials. Label the features and explain why they are helpful. 

Oracy 

Design and build a structure (like a bridge, tower, or shelter) on your own using limited materials (e.g. paper, tape, straws). As you work, think about the choices you make and the problems you solve. When you're finished, present your structure in a video explaining your design, materials, and how you overcame any challenges. 

Create a simple healthy snack using ingredients you choose or are given. Think carefully about why you picked those ingredients and how they make your snack tasty and nutritious. Talk through each step explaining and narrating what you have done.  

Research 

Famous Designers Investigation (Graphics/Textiles/Tech) 
Task: Choose a famous designer (e.g., Dieter Rams, Zandra Rhodes, or James Dyson) and create a fact file or poster about their most iconic work. 
Challenge: What design principles or innovations did they introduce? 
Link to start your search – James Dyson 

World-Changing Inventions (Technology) 
Pick a life-changing invention (e.g. light bulb, bicycle, 3D printer) and create a simple timeline or poster showing how it’s evolved.

inventors at a glance - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help

Create 

DIY Mini Parachute (Technology) 
Task: Use plastic bags, string, and a small object (like a toy or paperclip) to design and test a mini parachute. 
Challenge: Can you adjust your design to make it fall slower or straighter? 

Recycled Fashion Challenge (Textiles) 
Task: Create a small fashion accessory (e.g., bracelet, phone pouch, or hat) using only recycled materials at home. 
Extension: Take a photo and write a short paragraph on how you made it and why recycling is important. 

Oracy 

Design Debate! (All areas) 
Task: Watch a short video on a D&T topic (e.g., fast fashion or food waste), then hold a debate at home with family or friends: 
"Is fast fashion good or bad for the planet?" 

https://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-life-cycle-of-a-t-shirt-angel-chang 

My Design Pitch (Graphics/Food/Tech) 
Task: Invent a new product (e.g., a snack, gadget, or item of clothing). Create a 2-minute pitch and present it to someone at home — like you’re on Dragons’ Den! 
Extension: Record your pitch or write a short script.

Research 

Smart Materials – Investigate what smart or e-textiles are and their uses (e.g., sensors, heating). Wikipedia: Electronic textiles (en.wikipedia.org) 

Typography Impact – Research how serif vs sans-serif typefaces affect readability and design message. Wikipedia: Typography 

Create 

Reflective Wristband – Use reflective or high-vis fabrics to sew a snap-on band practicing hand stitching or machine sewing. 

Mini Catapult Build – Construct a simple tabletop catapult from craft sticks & elastics; test and iterate for distance. 

Oracy 

Smart Textile Presentation – Explain to someone at home how smart fabrics work and their benefits (e.g., wearable heating, sensors). 

Poster Pitch – Present your catapult or wristband design to anyone at home, justifying your material choices and any improvements you'd make. 

Research 

E‑Textiles Insight – Investigate e‑textiles (sensors, LEDs, heating fabrics). Wikipedia: E‑textiles (community.legoeducation.com) 

Solar Fabric – Research fabrics that generate electricity using integrated solar cells. Wikipedia: Solar cell fabric 

Create 

LEGO Desk‑Tidy Design – Use LEGO Digital Designer (or bricks at home) to create a desk tidy for pens and pencils. Teachwire: LEGO Digital Design Desk‑Tidy 

Minecraft Build Challenge – Design and build a mini structure on Minecraft—like a treehouse or studio—focusing on layout, function and style. (Minecraft game needed.) 

Oracy 

Build Show and Tell – Record a 1‑minute video explaining your LEGO or Minecraft design choices—why size, shape and layout work. 

Watch Grand Designs – Watch an episode clip (e.g., S5E1) and discuss with someone: what design problem did they solve, and what surprised you? YouTube: Grand Designs S5E1

Research 

Smart Textiles Critique – Investigate biodegradable e-textiles, materials, sustainability and applications in health monitoring. TechXplore: Sustainable e-textiles (techxplore.com) 

MarinaTex Case Study – Investigate the bioplastic MarinaTex (made from fish waste + algae). Examine the development process and its sustainability impact. [Wikipedia: MarinaTex](scribd.com, en.wikipedia.org) 

Create 

E‑Textile Prototype Plan – Design a concept for a smart garment (e.g., sensor-embedded sleeve or solar-powered scarf). Sketch, annotate materials and justify tech use. ResearchGate: Smart E-Textile Materials 

MarinaTex Product Concept – Design a concept product using MarinaTex (e.g., phone case, packaging). Include annotated sketch, materials analysis, and sustainability rationale. 

Oracy 

Listen to “The Product Design Podcast” – Tune into an episode from Seth Coelen's series for insights on real-world product design processes, challenges, and careers. Spotify: The Product Design Podcast (open.spotify.com)

Watch “Design Matters” – View an episode from Debbie Millman’s long-running podcast on design storytelling and industry lessons. Engage with a guest's journey into Product Design or branding. Podcast info: Design Matters