Choose a route through the projects
| Project | Learning to notice | Evidence for discussion |
|---|---|---|
| 01 · A tag with a purpose | Dimensions · shape subtraction · lettering | Two sketches, an editable .forma file, a measured drawing and a short before/after explanation. |
| 02 · One motif. Many possibilities. | Arrays · spacing · mathematical prediction | Predicted dimensions, both .forma versions and a justified choice of layout. |
| 03 · A stencil that stays together | Subtract · unite · connected material | An annotated island sketch, two vector versions and a functional explanation of the bridge. |
| 04 · From flat sheet to useful box | Box nets · cut and fold layers · prototypes | Measured contents, the net, a paper model or annotated model photograph, and a reasoned dimensional revision. |
| 05 · Change the speed. Explain the motion. | Gear wizard · ratios · centre placement | Labelled gear drawing, centre-distance calculation, a turn-count table where a model is used, and an explanation of the ratio. |
| 06 · Give a sketch a second life | Camera capture · tracing · critical comparison | The original sketch, two trace versions, the final editable project and a reasoned comparison. |
Find your curriculum context
ENGLAND
Design and Technology · KS2 / KS3
The introductory tag and pattern projects connect with CAD communication and review against criteria at KS2. At KS3, the activities offer contexts for specifications, digital modelling, iteration, structures and mechanisms. Manufacture is an optional, separately planned stage.
Department for Education: D&T programmes of study ↗SCOTLAND
Curriculum for Excellence · Technologies
Consider the craft, design, engineering and graphics outcomes. Tag, stencil and box tasks can provide contexts for designing models and justifying design choices (for example TCH 2-09a and TCH 3-09a). Choose the appropriate level from the learner’s evidence, not their age alone.
Education Scotland: Technologies experiences and outcomes (PDF) ↗WALES
Curriculum for Wales · Science and Technology
Use the design thinking and engineering descriptions of learning to select the intended progression. Asking about user needs, prototyping the box and responding to feedback are possible contexts. The teacher decides which descriptions the activity can support.
Hwb: Science and Technology descriptions of learning ↗NORTHERN IRELAND
Key Stage 3 · Technology and Design
Connect project work with design, communication, manufacturing and, for gears, mechanical control. Include investigation, evaluation and the use of mathematics and ICT. The CCEA document distinguishes statutory requirements from additional teaching suggestions.
CCEA: KS3 Technology and Design guidance (PDF) ↗Official sources reviewed 5 October 2026. Curriculum summaries are brief paraphrases; consult the linked documents and your school’s current plan. Further-challenge activities may support older learners, but they are not GCSE, National qualification or exam-board assessment briefs.
Build a lesson around decisions
- Investigate: identify a user and agree a small number of testable criteria.
- Model: sketch before CAD; use dimensions to communicate an intention.
- Compare: keep two versions and explain the trade-off between them.
- Test: gather user feedback or use a paper model. Record what happened.
- Improve: make a justified change and save the evidence.
Make it accessible
Demonstrate one step at a time, offer paired work and printed instructions, and allow screen-only or paper-model outcomes. Use shape and labels alongside colour. Match the task to pupils’ prior CAD experience.
Keep the workflow clear
Projects stay on the device unless deliberately shared. Save .forma files to the school’s chosen location. The tutorial pages do not collect pupil answers or track assessment. On shared browsers, clear demo recovery after saving.
Where a school chooses to manufacture a design, the teacher checks the file, scale, materials and local workshop procedures. These lessons provide no machine power or speed settings. A vector export is not a verified machine job.