Teaching the New Design and Technology in Primary Schools

While providing a practical guide to the implementation of the 1995 National Curriculum Orders for Design and Technology, this book seeks to inform the development of a design and technology education suited to the 21st century.

It shows how in the development of integrated designing and making activities, sustainable global perspectives, appropriate technology, mutual interdependence and equality may be prioritized. In emphasizing the value of work contributing to the development of children's understanding of products and applications the book also contributes towards a realignment of the subject away from the vocational craft emphasis of the past.

The book thus also explores the broad theme of technological literacy and should provide teachers with a useful introduction to the subject. An approach focusing upon the formative assessment of children's capability in designing and making is elaborated, reference is made to the development of schemes of work, and specific help is provided in structuring progression.

The role of play is explored and a number of practical examples of projects provided.

These include activities developed to teach principles of structures through practical work on the built environment and a means of developing children's understandings of electricity. Teachers should find this book useful in its guidance on the curriculum and classroom organization of design and technology in the primary school.

The author has had experience in implementing the National Curriculum for Design and Technology and of co-ordinating the subject in primary schools.