Year ½ History / Computing based unit – Toys! (5-6 weeks)

Overview of unit: Children learn about toys throughout time and how they have changed. This is linked to looking a range of sources about the past and developing a knowledge of chronology. Although mainly a history unit, the children carry out some scientific investigations using toys where they make predictions, measures and draw scientific conclusion relating to materials and forces. They use programming to create on screen games and also create a moving ‘toy’.

History skills

Ongoing history skills / Specific skills for this unit
• Observe or handle evidence to ask questions andfind answers to questions about the past.
• Ask questions such as: What was it like forpeople? What happened? How long ago?
• Use words and phrases such as: a long time ago,recently, when my parents/carers were children.
• Use dates where appropriate. /
  • Use artefacts and picturesto find out about the past.
  • Place artefacts in order on a timeline and Label with words or phrases such as:past, present, older and newer, using dates where appropriate.
  • Use words and phrases such as: years, decades and centuries to describe thepassing of time.
  • Show an understanding of the concepts of war and peace (ie. how toys changed during times of war and peace)

Science skills There is no statutory requirement to cover forces in the KS1 new curriculum but this should be used as the basis of a number of scientific enquiries to develop children’s enquiry skills.
• Ask simple questions.
• Observe closely, using simple equipment.
• Perform simple tests to help answer a question.
• Use observations and ideas to suggest answers toquestions.
• Gather and record data to help in answeringquestions.
Computing skills – We are games testers / DT skills
  • Know that a game is made up of a set of instructions the computer follows (like our lighthouse programme).
  • Describe what happens in the game.
  • Understand that programmers input lots of algorithms to make a game work.
  • Use logical reasoning to make predictions.
  • Conduct tests to check predictions
  • Notice common features in several game algorithms.
  • Suggest ways to improve a simple game.
  • Understand that playing computer games should be balanced with other activities.
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  • Apply and refine all previous DT skills and in addition:
  • Use materials to practise drilling, screwing,gluing and nailing materials to make and strengthen products.
  • Create products using levers, wheels and windingmechanisms.