Lesson 3: Why wear goggles Key Stage 1-2: Computing, Design & technology

Investigating the design of goggles

Snow goggles are worn by all polar explorers to protect their eyes from the glare of the snow landscape and prevent snow blindness.

The explorers didn't necessarily wear goggles like we wear sunglasses to stop the glare of the sun affecting our eyes, but it was the glare of the sun reflected off the white snow that caused problems for the explorers.

Goggles are therefore very important items of equipment for polar explorers and they would have to look after them and definitely not lose them. The design of the goggles changed as a result of trial and error from lessons learned on early expeditions. By experimenting with different designs the men found what worked and what didn't. For example, it was discovered that to be effective in preventing snow blindness, in addition to filtered glass, the goggles needed to have covers on the side to prevent light getting through.

Download lesson plan:

Purpose of study:

Computing - Ensures that pupils become digitally literate - able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology.

Design & technology - Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others' needs, wants and values.

Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

National Curriculum Aims / Attainment Targets	Activity focus
Computing: KS2 - select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.	Investigating snow Goggles. Producing presentation about goggles. Creating and testing own goggle designs.
Design & technology: Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. KS2 Design - use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups. KS2 Make - select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately.
Design & technology continued: KS2 Make - select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities. KS2 Evaluate - evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work. Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.	Investigating snow Goggles. Producing presentation about goggles. Creating and testing own goggle designs.

National Curriculum Aims / Attainment Targets

Activity focus

Computing:

KS2 - select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information.

Investigating snow Goggles.
Producing presentation about goggles.
Creating and testing own goggle designs.

Design & technology:

Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
KS2 Design - use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups.
KS2 Make - select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately.

Design & technology continued:

KS2 Make - select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities.
KS2 Evaluate - evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.