Shelter building

Shelter building
Working in teams, students will plan and build a shelter in the forest using natural materials. Before beginning to build they will be asked to carry out a risk assessment of this activity and consider the properties that their shelter should have.
They may be asked to carry out a self-assessment of their co-operation and finished shelter.

Learning objectives

to select appropriate materials to build a structure that will meet the specified criteria (warm and waterproof)
to collaborate with others in a group to solve a problem or make a decision
to develop some of the skills involved in group work, such as negotiating, problem-solving, debating
to evaluate their teamwork and shelter, identifying strengths and areas for development

National curriculum links
Design and Technology
Make

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

Evaluate

evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

PSHE guidance

to equip pupils with a sound understanding of risk and with the knowledge and skills necessary to make safe and informed decision
to further develop the communication skills of active listening, negotiation, offering and receiving constructive feedback and assertiveness