Student Worksheet

Junk Creation - Activity Introduction

This activity challenges you to design a new and purposeful object using junk and recycling items from around you home. Your ideas are only limited by your imagination! Think of the proverb, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ to inspire you. Just make sure you check with your parents/caregivers first before you use anything from around the home.

Safety advice: Be careful when cutting materials and always point the scissors away from you. If you are going to use any other tools, ask permission from your parents/caregivers first.

Part A: Designing Your Object

Step 1.

Choose up to five items from around the home that are junk or recyclables. Find some binding materials such as tape, wire, string, etc., and challenge yourself to only use a combined length of two metres. Measure it out using a tape measure or ruler. You may use one rubber band, too, if you wish. The last part of the challenge is you only have 30 minutes to build your design.

Step 2.

Look at the materials you have available to you and think of a useful and purposeful design you could make from these materials. What is it going to be used for? What will you call it? Draw and label your design on a piece of paper, noting what materials each part will be made from and how it will be put together.

Part B: Constructing Your Object

Step 1.

Now make your design, remembering you only have 30 minutes to make it.

Step 2.

Think about how your design worked. Which part worked well? Which part didn’t work well? Is there anything you would change about your design? Does it fulfil its purpose? Can you use it for the purpose it was designed for?

Taking It Further

Make a poster that advertises your object, using persuasive language that explains what the object is used for and why people need one!

Junk Creation (home learning)

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