Year 8 Design & Technology
READING TASKS
A history of Great Inventions by James Dyson
This volume of scientific history by award-winning inventor James Dyson details the greatest achievements of the human imagination since early hominids invented stone tools about 250,000 years ago.
Creating 3D pop-up cards by Mary Jackson
A complete guide for creating 3D cards
Hello, is this Earth? by TIm Peake
The first book by astronaut Tim Peake - a mesmerising collection of over 150 of Tim's stunning photographs that he took on board the International Space Station, many of which have not been seen before.
WRITING TASKS
Inspiring Products
Write about an innovative product that you feel has changed the world.
Write this on A6 colour card.
Why DT is the best
Create a leaflet for our School's open evening explaining what makes the Design Technology department so great.
LISTENING TASKS
Podcast - Material Matters
Listen to 'Material Matters with Grant GIbson'.
Material Matters features in-depth interviews with a variety of designers, makers and artists about their relationship with a particular material or technique.
Listen here
Podcast - STEM
Listen to the Stemettes Podcast
Do you want to expand your knowledge of STEM but don’t know where to begin? In this article, they have compiled a list of favourite podcasts by women in STEM to help you get started in the STEM podcasting world.
WATCHING TASKS
The Iron Bridge
Watch "Engineering The Iron Bridge: Iron Casting From the 1700s"
The impressive Iron Bridge over the River Severn in Shropshire is an engineering marvel. Erected in 1799 and the world’s first free-standing metal structure.
Watch here
Plastic Recycling
Watch some of the videos from One Army on plastic recycling.
Watch here
Living on Mars
Watch "Mars" to give you a first hand look at the challenges astronauts and NASA engineers face in their hopes to one day colonize Mars.
Available to watch on Disney+
RESEARCH TASKS
Food - Something Different
Have you heard of cotton candy grapes, pineberries or kiwi berries? Find out about these and other unusual varieties of fruit.
Choose one and write a fact file. Include where it is traditionally grown, seasons, cooking, eating tips and a recipe.
TRIPS AND VISITS
V&A Museum
Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world's largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects
Click here to find out about their current exhibitions.
CREATIVE TASKS
Pop Up Card
Graphics - Create a Flower pop up card.
For ideas and help click here
Pop Up Card - Second Challenge
Graphics - Create your own Pop Up Card for someone.
Use our booklet or find your own tutorial online.
Pop Up Card - Show your skills
Graphics - Create a Video tutorial on any Pop-Up technique of your choice and share with your teacher.
Add a twist or curl to a meal
Food - Create a garnish using fruit or vegetables; eg a cucumber twist, tomato rose, strawberry fan, lemon basket or spring onion curl.
Look online for images or videos that you could follow. Use what you have created to garnish a meal.
Self Portrait by Season
Food - Draw 4 self portraits using seasonal fruit and vegetables - Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn.
Click here for ideas.
STUDENT LED TASKS
Show your skills
Graphics - Present to the class your recent successes with the creative tasks.
Speak to your teacher to arrange this.