Sports Bag

[Decoration]

Sports Bag

Pupils design a sports bag, and show all the measurements they will need to make. They also plan how they will waste the least material.

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Practical details

Suitability National Curriculum levels 5 to 6

Time 20 to 40 minutes

Resources Ruler, pencil, calculator and paper

Key Processes involved

Representing
Simplify the problem by identifying the pieces from which the bag is constructed and sketching them; choose appropriate methods to calculate missing dimensions
Analysing
Make connections between dimensions, for example: recognise that the material for the body of the bag needs to be the same length as its circumference; vary the positions of the pieces to determine the best way of using the cloth to minimise waste
Interpreting and evaluating
Consider assumptions and interpret the constraints in making the bag, for example: take note of the additional material needed for a seam
Communicating and reflecting
Describe their method and solution effectively and accurately, using words and sketches

Teacher guidance

Check that pupils understand the context, for example, you could show a real example of this type of sports bag to help pupils visualise it and ask questions such as:

  • Do you know what seams are? What instructions have been given about seams?
  • The components of the bag are to be cut out of material 1 metre wide.
  • What are you trying to do with the layout of the components of the bag?

Pupils can tackle this task in different ways, but they might be expected to:

  • convert one metric unit to another
  • recognise and use common 2D representations of 3D objects
  • understand and use appropriate formulae for finding circumferences of circle