Design technology project – making an alarmed security box
Through an ‘Electricity’ topic in Science, Year 4 carried out a range of investigations to learn about circuits and their components. They explored the differences between mains and battery-operated products, how to use electrical equipment safely, how to construct simple circuits and how switches can be made and used to stop the flow of electricity.
The children then applied this learning in a Design Technology project: working in small teams to make an alarmed box. They began by learning about the inventor of the burglar alarm ‘Augustus Pope’ and his electromagnetic alarm, before exploring more modern alarms. Following this, children worked in teams of three, to create their own security box, which would sound an alarm upon being opened and stop the alarm when closed.
This was a very difficult project, which involved focus, teamwork and a great deal of trial and error, but the children rose to the challenge and were delighted when they overcame problems to make their alarm system successful!
