Our Grade 4 and 5 Art and Design students threw themselves into the fascinating world of mechanisms, exploring how things move before channelling that understanding into two hands-on projects: fairground rides and automata.
Each project was rooted in the design cycle of investigate, design, create, and evaluate. Students explored their chosen mechanism, developed ideas through working drawings, then moved into making and reflecting on their outcomes. Fairground rides required a wheel and axle system, while automata relied on cams and followers to create movement. Working in pairs, students made thoughtful creative decisions throughout, from naming their fairground rides and selecting colours and decoration, to shaping their cams to achieve just the right effect.
As their ideas came to life, students grew in confidence using tools such as hacksaws, palm punchers, and glue guns, learning to measure, cut, and assemble materials with increasing accuracy. It was wonderful to see them collaborating, problem-solving, and adapting their designs with resourcefulness and resilience.
The finished pieces reflect real individuality and a strong sense of pride, with each outcome showcasing both creative thinking and developing technical skill. This kind of hands-on, design-led learning sits at the heart of our Junior School programme, nurturing curious, capable, and confident young makers at our international school in Singapore.
