About KS1 Design and Technology
KS1 Design and Technology introduces children to designing for real users and real problems. Pupils begin by exploring familiar products – lunch boxes, toys, clothes and simple electrical items – and ask: “What is this for? Who uses it? How could it be better?” They sketch ideas, choose materials, and use age-appropriate tools safely to cut, join and finish. Most of all, they learn that design is a cycle: plan it, make it, test it, and improve it.
What children learn in practical projects
Projects at this stage balance creativity with simple technical knowledge. In Cooking, children practise hygiene, measure ingredients and understand where food comes from. With Electricity themes, they identify basic components in everyday life and learn simple safety ideas. Our Textiles, Fabrics and Sewing content builds fine motor skills while teaching how fabrics behave, and Design and Technology Ideas sparks imaginative problem-solving for classroom and home.
Skills that grow with every make
Each task grows essential skills: planning steps in order, selecting suitable materials, and evaluating the finished product against the original idea. Children develop vocabulary to talk about their choices – stronger vs. lighter, waterproof vs. absorbent, smooth vs. textured – and they gain confidence using rulers, child-safe scissors, glue, simple stitching and fixings. Reflection is key: pupils learn to say what went well and what they would change next time.
Safety, sustainability and smart choices
KS1 D&T also builds good habits. Children learn to tidy workspaces, use tools responsibly, and think about materials with the planet in mind – reusing and recycling where possible. Food work includes basic hygiene and safe preparation. Across topics, we encourage thoughtful design: who will use the product, how long should it last, and what happens to it when it’s no longer needed?
How our quizzes support learning
Education Quizzes turns classroom topics into quick, fun checks for understanding. Questions are written by experienced teachers and mapped to KS1 expectations, helping pupils practise key terms and processes. Whether it’s identifying a stronger join, choosing the right fabric, or ordering the steps in a simple recipe, our quizzes reinforce the making-and-evaluating cycle in an enjoyable way.
Try these popular KS1 D&T quizzes
Dive into our favourites: Cooking, Electricity, Design and Technology Ideas and Textiles, Fabrics and Sewing. Each quiz is short, friendly and perfect for revisiting key learning at home or in class.
See the official Government guidance: Design and technology programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I support KS1 D&T at home?
Encourage simple making tasks – building with recycling, sewing a basic bookmark, or planning a healthy snack. Ask your child to explain their choices and how they might improve the result next time.
What tools are safe for KS1 pupils?
Use child-safe scissors, blunt needles with supervision, non-toxic glue and tape, and rulers or templates for measuring. Always model safe use, keep workspaces clear, and store tools out of reach when not in use.
How do quizzes help with practical subjects?
Quizzes build vocabulary and decision-making. By practising terms like “absorbent”, “stronger join” or “prototype”, children are better prepared to plan, discuss and evaluate their practical work in class.
Author: David Bland (Experienced Teacher and Freelance Writer)
