children building shelter

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