Cracking Ideas

Who is this for?

The Intellectual Property Office and Aardman need you to have a look at the world around you. Imagine a cracking idea that can help get mundane jobs done quicker, better and most importantly from the comfort of a warm armchair!

What's available?

The 2020/21 Cracking Ideas competition includes a host of fun activities for children aged 5 to 11 plus guidance for teachers to kick start your childrens' Cracking Idea. There are also a series of films available via youtube to support your entry and enrich lesson delivery http://ow.ly/1dlr50DddFP

Lesson plans and activities

As well as this year’s exciting competition there are downloadable lesson plans for KS1 - KS4 students. Each has curriculum-linked group and individual tasks and full resource lists. Or take a look at some great design activities: what will you invent today?

Most recent | View all

Most recent | View all

Cracking Ideas 2021 - Home Education Pack

   Cross-curricular
    After School, Extension

The Brief

A special Cracking Ideas Challenge to work through at home. The form guides you through the competition entry to re-design a product or process to 'make life better. A curriculum led activity to get children engaged with product design and the importance of protecting intellectual property.

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Cracking Ideas 2021 - Key Stage 1

Age 5-7

Key Stage 1

   Cross-curricular
    After School, Extension

The Brief

Pick and mix activities taking your class or group through the five phases of a design process. Curriculum led activities that get children engaged with product design and the importance of protecting intellectual property.

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Cracking Ideas 2021 - Key Stage 2

Age 7-11

Key Stage 2

   Cross-curricular
    After School, Extension

The Brief

Pick and mix activities taking your class or group through the five phases of a design process. Curriculum led activities that get children engaged with product design and the importance of protecting intellectual property.

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Cracking Ideas Lesson Plan 12-16 year olds

Age 14-16

Key Stage 4

   Cross-curricular

The Brief

90 minute lesson plan focused on engaging 12-16 year olds with the challenges and opportunities of product design.  Ideal for use in Design & Technology, but has relevance to business studies, history, ICT and other subjects.
 

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Cracking Ideas Lesson Plan 5-7 year olds

Age 5-7

Key Stage 1

   Cross-curricular

The Brief

Hands-on and thought provoking one hour-lesson plan, adapted for younger children.  Includes whole group and small group work.  Additional activities that could enable it to be split across more sessions.
 

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Cracking Ideas Lesson Plan 7-11 year olds

Age 7-11

Key Stage 2

   Cross-curricular

The Brief

Energetic and thought-provoking one hour lesson plan that encourages innovation and practical problem-solving.  Clearly linked to Design & Technology but relevant to a range of subjects.

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Cracking Ideas Lesson Plan KS3

Age 11-14

Key Stage 3

   Cross-curricular

The Brief

90 minute lesson plan focused on engaging students with the challenges and opportunities of product design.  Ideal for use in Design & Technology, but has relevance to Business Studies, History ICT and other subjects.

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Wallace & Gromit
Learn with – and from – everyone’s favourite inventors!