Year 7 3D Design

Unit Content

Unit 1

Blockbot

In this unit, students learn to create a 'blockbot' character in wood. They learn to draw inspiration from the work of others, to create a range of ideas in their sketchbooks, to select and refine their preferred idea, and to create a final design. They also learn a wide range of woodworking skills, safely employing appropriate tools and techniques.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Understanding the principles that underpin a complete design project
  • Understanding the dimension conventions of orthographic design
  • Knowing about the work of relevant designers

Key skills developed:

  • How to draw in oblique projection
  • How to render and draw with accuracy
  • How to annotate a design using the in-house conventions
  • How to use a wide range of hand tools and machines safely

Assessment: Formative and summative assessment of learning are both organised around project-specific criteria, which are presented as a series of student-friendly checklists. Students receive regular feedback based on these checklists and they are encouraged to self- and peer-assess against them at every stage of the design process.

Unit 2 

Marble maze

In this unit, students develop their making skills by creating a 'marble maze' game from MDF and acrylic. They learn to use computer-aided design (CAD), to draw inspiration from the work of others, to create a range of ides in their sketchbooks, to select and refine their preferred idea, and to create a final design. They build on what was learned in Unit 1, using a wide range of woodworking skills, safely employing appropriate tools and equipment.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Understanding the principles that underpin a complete design project
  • Knowing about the work of relevant designers.
  • Understanding the layout conventions of orthographic design

Key skills developed:

  • How to use computer-aided design (CAD)
  • How to measure, mark-out, secure and saw wood
  • How to employ finishing techniques such as sanding, oiling and painting
  • How to secure and drill wood and plastic safely

Assessment: Formative and summative assessment of learning are both organised around project-specific criteria, which are presented as a series of student-friendly checklists. Students receive regular feedback based on these checklists and they are encouraged to self- and peer-assess against them at every stage of the design process.