Autumn 2
Project Title: How Have Structures Influenced Our Lives?
Focus Question: What Impact Has the Great Fire of London Had on the Structures in Modern Day London?
This half term, Year 2 children will become historians, designers, and artists as they explore the Great Fire of London and how it changed the way buildings are designed. They will compare London in 1666 with the modern city and build their own 3D models of historical and modern buildings.
What Will the Children Be Learning?
- History: Learn about the Great Fire of London, its causes, and its impact on the city.
- Design & Technology (DT): Design and build stable structures using wood and card, learning how to measure, cut, and join materials.
- Art: Explore colour, texture, and tone to create realistic finishes for their models.
- Geography: Use maps and aerial images to compare past and present London.
Project Outcome
Children will:
- Build a 3D model of a building from either 1666 or modern-day London.
- Present their model and explain how building design has changed due to the Great Fire.
- Use historical sources to understand the past and design criteria to guide their work.
Enrichment Opportunities
- Virtual or in-person workshops and tours (e.g. Museum of London, Tower of London).
- Explore artefacts and sources from 1666.
- Present their work to an audience in a showcase or exhibition.
Global Learning
Children will explore sustainable development, learning how cities are now designed to prevent disasters like the Great Fire and how fire safety and urban planning have evolved globally.
