Shapes make Structures

Pupils will work in small groups, one class at a time, to design and build structures.  They will gain an understanding of 2D and 3D shapes.

Curriculum Topics: materials, forces, design

knex

Years 1-6

How the day works

Students will work in small groups, one class at a time, to develop an understanding of how shapes make structures.  The activity can be differentiated by age and ability through introduction of the concept of sustainability and by calculating the cost of the skyscrapers. The aim being to build the cheapest structure.


During the day, students will: 

  • Learn about 2D and 3D shapes
  • Using k'nex to build understanding of structures
  • Take part in a skyscraper challenge
  • Use feedback to identify faults and improve their model

Students will also work on transferable skills:

  • Explore problems by thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of possible solutions
  • Keep trying when something goes wrong and encourage others to keep trying too
  • Work with a positive attitude to new challenges
  • Work well with others and support others if you can

How much does it cost?

Our workshops are bespoke to you and adaptable to suit your timetable, and most can be delivered in 60 to 100 minutes. This means that we can cater for the number of classes in each year group and provide back-to-back sessions across the school day, delivering the workshop to different class groups, with two sessions before lunch and one after.


We have to make a charge to cover our staff and materials costs, but our pricing is structured to enable this flexibility.


Thanks to charitable funding we have raised which supports State Primary and SEN schools, we are able to offer heavily subsidised rates:

  • 1 Workshop session £75
  • 2 Workshop sessions £150
  • 3 Workshop sessions £225

For Independent Schools:

  • 1 Workshop session £200
  • 2 Workshop sessions £400
  • 3 Workshop sessions £600

 For all schools:
• Bookings on 2 consecutive days qualify for a 10% discount
• 3 or more bookings on different dates made in same enquiry qualify for a 10% discount


We may have funding available to support your ability to take part in this workshop particularly for schools with high levels of Pupil Premium/SEN.  Please enquire when booking.