Wider Curriculum Y6 Spring 1
This term, our big question is:
“What impact has engineering had on the lives of humans?”
Children will explore the Industrial Revolutions, technological advances, and modern engineering challenges, culminating in designing and pitching an innovative product for space travel.
What We’re Learning
- History: The four Industrial Revolutions and their impact on society.
- Design Technology: Designing and presenting an innovative product using sketches and CAD.
- Geography: How globalisation and trade link countries and industries.
- Oracy: Debating historical significance and pitching product ideas.
Key Learning Journey
- How has industry evolved over time?
- Explore the four Industrial Revolutions and place them on a timeline.
- How did geography influence industrial progress?
- Annotate maps and understand trade links and globalisation.
- Which revolution was most significant?
- Debate and write conclusions using persuasive language.
- How have revolutions impacted daily life?
- Research innovations from space travel and their everyday applications.
- Explain technological advances:
- Write an explanation text about a space-related innovation.
- Current issues in space exploration:
- Investigate sustainability, space junk, and ethical considerations.
- Designing for space:
- Create sketches and technical drawings for a protective casing.
- Using IT for design:
- Use CAD software to create a digital model.
- Pitching the product:
- Prepare and deliver a persuasive presentation to a chosen audience.
- Optional: Build and test prototypes, evaluate effectiveness, and refine designs.
Project Outcome
Children will:
- Design and present an innovative product for space travel that meets a mission brief.
- Pitch their design in a Dragon’s Den-style presentation to a real or simulated audience.
Highlights
- Research and debate historical and modern engineering issues.
- Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools.
- Visit a space laboratory or science museum to deepen understanding.
Key Texts
- A Day in the Life of an Astronaut – Mike Barfield
- Human 2.0: A Celebration of Human Bionics – Patrick Kane
- Survival in Space – David Long & Stefano Tambellini
- A World of Discovery – Richard Platt
Vocabulary Highlights
- History: revolution, era, industrialisation, bias
- DT: prototype, CAD, innovate, fabricate
- Geography: globalisation, interdependent, trade
- Oracy: pitch, persuade, viewpoint
How Parents Can Support
- Discuss how technology has changed daily life over time.
- Explore maps and talk about global trade and interdependence.
- Encourage curiosity about space exploration and sustainability.
- Share any family experiences of engineering or design projects.
