Teach Primary - Issue 19.4

(the finger or fret board), the bottom and the two side panels. When cut out, fix together with masking tape then attach to the main body. It should be positioned central to the guitar and level with the top of the body. You can then cut the headstock from card, again in four pieces or using folded card. Attach to the neck using more tape. You can add the bridge later, using folded card to create a raised surface for the bridge pins (more split pins). Now you’re ready for the really messy and fun bit! Use papier-mâché strips to cover the guitar. This will provide structure and help to fix the body, the neck and the headstock securely. Once dried, there is an opportunity to test the strength of the guitar. If the neck or headstock do not feel secure, then extra papier-mâché may be needed, or you might want to think about other fixing techniques (ask children for their ideas, based on what they know about different materials – another link to science). Finally, cover the papier- mâchéd instrument in white poster paint; you might need more than one coat. Assessment Do children understand how to reinforce and strengthen a 3D framework? Can children evaluate their products by carrying out appropriate tests? WEEK 5 Learning objective How will I add the detail to my design? With a bright white guitar in their hands, it is now time for pupils to really get creative! First, add the pickguard to the guitar. You could either use a template or get children to create their own using a suitable material (again, this can prompt discussion) and glue it on around the sound hole. Referring to their guitar design template, paint the guitar in the required colours. Once the base colours are laid down, children can enjoy adding their favourite characters and details using paint, coloured pencil Karl Duke is headteacher of a school in Lincolnshire. He is passionate about the power of picture books to inspire learning across the curriculum. fingers to get inside and separate the split pins that are pushed through from each side to create mock tuners. Adult help may be needed here. Add split pins to the bridge and split by using the sound hole to access the inside of the guitar. You can then secure your choice of ‘string’ by wrapping them around the heads of the split pins at the bridge and headstock. After completion, children should evaluate their designs, comparing the final product with their initial design specification. Is it a successful product? Did they have to overcome any challenges? Were the materials and resources effective? What would they change if they made the guitar again? There’s an evaluation template in the PowerPoint ( slide 4 ). Every year I look forward to this project and every year the children produce the most incredible outcomes. Have fun! Assessment Can children evaluate a product against the original design specification and by carrying out tests? TP F EATURE S P L ANN I NG or printouts. Pupils might also wish to add a rosette (the circles around the sound hole). Assessment Can children begin to use finishing techniques to strengthen and improve the appearance of their product using a range of equipment? WEEK 6 Learning objective How will I create sound using my guitar? Now, there are of course some limitations as to the sounds that the instrument will make in this form. However, you can focus on the aesthetic rather than the science and still aim for the instrument to work. Children could explore a range of options: coloured fishing wire, string or wool can provide a great look, and elastic bands make a reverberating sound (and could stimulate questions around forces and tension). Guitars usually have six strings and ukuleles four, but I tend to stick to four for this project, as more than that can be tricky to attach. Before we attach the strings, we need to add other details. How could we make frets? Card? Dowel? Metallic paint provides a wonderful effect, too. Fret markings could also be added for extra detail, as may the name of the guitar at the top of the headstock. Now it is time to add the strings. Open a flap at the back of the headstock using scissors, to enable @karlduke8.bsky.social www.teachwire.net | 25