One of the best classroom experiences is when every child is buzzing with excitement, totally engaged in their task. A memorable example of this is guitar design; it is an utter joy to teach.

The following plan will help children learn how to design and construct a small-scale guitar. Focusing first on research, they will explore designs from the past and present. They’ll learn the features of a guitar and the process of construction. They will then create their own using a range of techniques and materials.

If you give them sufficient time, kids will get really invested. The detail can be incredible! Here we’ve split the plan into six lessons, but it is a project well worth getting your teeth into. You might want to use the majority of a term and at least 12 hours of teaching time in total.

Learning objectives

• Learn what guitars look like and how they are constructed
• Think about what your design will include
• Work out how to construct the main body and neck of the guitar
• Construct the guitar using cardboard and fixing techniques
• Add detail to the design
• Create sound using the guitar

Karl Duke is headteacher of a school in Lincolnshire. Browse more D&T resources.

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