KS1 Design & Technology Workshop: Building Strong Homes
KS1 DT: Building Strong Homes Workshop Overview
This engaging and hands-on KS1 workshop introduces students to the concept of strong structures by exploring different types of homes. Through interactive discussions and practical activities, children will investigate the shapes, sizes, and key features of buildings, focusing on how structures keep us safe, warm, and dry.
Using a fun and familiar reference to The Three Little Pigs, students will compare building techniques to understand the importance of stability. They will conduct a simple test on different wall-building methods before applying their knowledge to construct their own LEGO house. The session culminates in a collaborative activity where students bring their buildings together to form a model village, reinforcing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
This workshop has strong cross-curricular links with Geography, PSHE, and Design & Technology, making it a valuable addition to a broad and balanced curriculum.
Workshop Learning Objectives
- Identify and describe different types of homes by exploring their shapes, sizes, and features. (Geography & PSHE)
- Recognise the key functions of a home and explain why strong structures are essential for safety and stability. (PSHE & Design & Technology)
- Compare and evaluate different building techniques by testing the strength of interlocked vs. stacked brick walls. (Design & Technology: Technical Knowledge)
- Construct a strong and stable LEGO home using design principles and problem-solving skills. (Design & Technology: Making & Evaluating)
- Collaborate to create a model village by bringing individual houses together, fostering teamwork and discussion. (PSHE & DT: Design & Making)
Workshop Learning Outcomes
By the end of the school workshop students will be able to :
- Name and describe different types of homes and their key features.
- Explain why strong structures are important and what makes a building safe and stable.
- Demonstrate an understanding of strong building techniques by constructing and testing different types of walls.
- Apply their knowledge of structure and stability to design and build a LEGO house.
- Work collaboratively to create a model village, sharing ideas and reflecting on their designs.
What to Expect From This Workshop
Understanding different types of homes and their unique features.
Recognising the importance of strong structures and how they keep us safe.
Exploring and comparing different building techniques through hands-on testing.
Learning how to build a stable and secure structure using LEGO.
Bringing this learning to life by designing and constructing a home and collaborating to create a model village.
Hands-On Activity Details
During the 75 minute workshop the students will
Activity 1: Strong Wall Challenge
Students participate in a guided building technique of two different types of brick walls: interlocking bricks vs. stacked bricks. We test out the strength of both using a gentle push test and discuss which is stronger and why.
Activity 2: Build a LEGO House
With their newfound knowledge of strong building techniques, students take on the challenge of designing and constructing a LEGO house. Houses must be stable, well-structured, and include key features such as walls, roofs, and doors.
Why Students Will Enjoy This Workshop
Hands-on LEGO challenges make design and technology engaging and fun.
Suitable for visual and hands-on learners, reinforcing learning through play.
Access to thousands of LEGO bricks to spark creativity.
Interactive discussions that encourage students to understand the diversity of how people live.
Collaborative learning experience, fostering teamwork and a sense of achievement.
Breakdown Of Duration
This KS1 Design and Technology: Building Strong Homes workshop is a total of 75 minutes long.
- Introduction (5 mins) – Overview of the workshop and discussion on different types of homes.
- Visual Presentation (10 mins) – Exploring building structures and stability.
- LEGO Activity 1 (10 mins) – Hands-on structure experiment: interlocking vs. stacked bricks.
- Interactive Discussion (5 mins) – Evaluating the strength of different walls.
- LEGO Activity 2 (35 mins) – Hands-on building: LEGO house construction.
- Summary & Reflection (10 mins) – Bringing all houses together to form a model village, photos, and tidy-up.
Pricing Information
Our KS1 Design and Technology school workshops provide exceptional educational value and hands-on experiences for students.
Pricing is tailored based on location, group size, and session length. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and receive a personalised quote.
Enquire about this workshop today
Discover how the ‘KS1 D&T: Building Strong Homes‘ workshop can bring history to life in your classroom. Contact Build to Learn today to enquire about availability and tailored options for your school!
With over a decade of experience as the founder of Brickies Club Limited, I have inspired thousands of children aged 4 to 16 to develop creativity and problem-solving skills through LEGO-based activities. Now leading Build to Learn Limited, I deliver hands-on workshops that align with curriculum goals in STEM, history, and more. My expertise extends beyond practical delivery, incorporating a deep understanding of diverse learning styles to create impactful, memorable sessions that foster teamwork, curiosity, and critical thinking.
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