This resource uses the mobile phone as an example for how technology can develop over time. Using a card sort activity and classroom presentation, it describes the reasons why technology develops (i.e. technology push, market pull) and provides students with an activity where they create a timeline for mobile phone...

This resource looks briefly at the moral implications of design and the design of products. It touches on the impact that products (such as mobile phones) have had on society and asks students to explore issues around sustainable manufacture.

Using the context of the well known story of the Three Little Pigs, pupils are introduced to the concept of the materials life cycle. A presentation aids learning about different building materials and how waste is created but can also be reduced. In the activity, pupils are invited to design recycled house ideas...

These resources provide up to date information and class activities on the topic of tidal power. Based on cutting edge research and the development of the Severn Tidal Barrage, students gain a valuable insight into the work of engineers in the design of the barrage and the environmental and ethical factors which...

A selection of images related to methods of transportation.

V&A Innovate is a challenge for schools that encourages students to use design thinking approaches and human-centered design methodology. Students are invited to choose from three contextual challenges, inspired by the V&A collections and exhibitions that ask critical questions about the issues shaping our...

This collection of resources supports teachers to run the V&A Innovate National Schools Challenge with their students. It contains downloadable resources and inspiring videos that will helps students participate in the creative design process needed to approach the 3 design challenges:

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WEAR asks us to investigate the issues of the fashion industry. Are we too wasteful, throwing clothes away once they've been worn a few times? Do we care who's making our clothing and how much they're being paid? How does our clothing represent who we are and what we have to say?

What if we could all...

This Catalyst article investigates how polymer materials can be designed and printed with electrical properties that allow them to be used in wearable electronic devices. The article is from Catalyst: Secondary Science...

This resource supports students to understand the terms Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacture. It provides an overview of manufacturing methods such as CNC vinyl cutting, CNC router, laser cutting.

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In this lesson students will gain an understanding of what a life cycle assessment is and how it can be used to assess the environmental impact of the manufacture and use of different materials and products. Students will understand the five main stages of a life cycle analysis through both a diagram and supporting...

This lesson resource looks at the topic of inclusive design and how design can be used to solve problems and support all people in society to engage successfully in the world around them. This resource sets the scene for inclusive design, helping students to understand how products must fulfill a need for a range...

This resource looks at life-cycle analysis and how it is used to work out the environmental impact of different products.

There is much debate about reducing greenhouse gases and how renewable energy sources might form part of the answer. Most people agree that renewable energy is a good thing, but how do people react when a wind farm is proposed to be built near them? The following...