All the fun of the fair 

This project will follow DT and science as lead subjects – exploring the history of electricity and circuits. Children will be tasked with producing and advertising a fairground ride, refining the skill of persuasive writing and learning how to appeal to different audiences. Children will also use art and photography skills to create an advertising video.

DT

DT will see the children design and build a model fairground ride that can be operated by a battery-powered circuit. Children will study and experiment with different components to evaluate which will be the most effective for their design. We will also discuss how programming plays a part in modern circuitry. Children will be introduced to computer programmes that can scan for changes in the environment and situation. Children will theorise how these programming features could improve their designs if they were made real.

In preparation of our graphic-poster designs, our class have been practising vector drawings – using pre-made shapes to create other images.

Our class were able to visit a local family who work with fairground rides to ask any questions about our learning. We were able to see lots of original and modernised design features as well as learn how rides are packed up, transported and assembled at each site. 

Science 

In science we will continue the theme of electricity. We will learn how to scientifically note circuits and their components as well as conduct enquiries to answer any questions. Children will be encouraged to develop their own theories and hypotheses relating to electricity and record any data in the most efficient format. This will encourage the children to work scientifically as independent researchers.

Here we experimented with voltage and how it can affect different circuit components. The class used buzzers, bulbs and motors to test how changes in voltage can cause different outputs.

Our class was able to visit a working yard in the local community. We learnt about how modern and old-fashioned generators work; how they are maintained and how much energy it takes to run a fairground ride.

History 

Our history topic will act as a supporting subject where we will explore the development of electricity and circuitry over time. Children will be encouraged to draw links between the past and modern technology as well as spot patterns. 

Art

Children will explore film and photography. These new skills will be utilised in creating a promotional photo and video for their model fairground rides. Children will be introduced to photo and video editing software that can help enhance images for a purpose.