Design Technology - Build a waterproof, natural fixed structure using ONLY found materials.

 So for this project, I wanted Niamh to have a serious challenge. Worksheets can get very dull and I wanted Niamh to be able to consider how structures are made, materials and what is best suited and problem solving when things go wrong.

Niamh is reasonably good with hammers and screwdrivers and in Wakefield we had a garden so this was possible. I was inspired with this idea by a wildlife gardening site on Facebook and I thought a little waterproof structure would be great for stargazing. 

Using the fence as the back wall meant less materials were used overall, and I knew using wood found in the woodland close by would be easy for Niamh to work with (plus we went there every day so collecting the wood was feasible even if it meant I looked quite odd carrying logs home). 

Niamh initially chose for the structure to be placed around the fire pit but this seemed risky, plus the gravel meant that it shifted underneath the main structure. 

This is based around the idea of a typical den - something that we do already in many different woodlands but the waterproofinga was a new one to Niamh. I let her go into the loft and as every household, we have a huge collection of junk, and Niamh emerged triumphantly with bubble wrap and an old shower curtain that the previous tenants had left. 

Making the main structure first with the largest logs, and exploring possible shape combinations was the first step. Adding the waterproofing materials was difficult - Niamh realised that a certain level of tautness was required and screws worked much better than nails. Measurements had to be taken so that the garden bench would fit and after waterproofing, additional materials were used to make the structure look as natural as possible. Unfortunately we didn't get chance to completely finish this before moving, but the structure lasted all winter and stayed in place perfectly. 

For Niamh this was a resounding success and in snowy weather, was a comfortable place to sit and watch the falling snowflakes snuggled in a blanket. One very proud mum - Niamh showed ingenuity, creativity and some exceptional understanding of materials and construction skills.