Refine and evaluate a robot sculpture | Art and design

Starter quiz

A maquette is a finished sculpture.
- True
- False ✓
Cardboard is a recyclable material.
- True ✓
- False
This is an image of which joining technique?
- gluing
- slotting ✓
- sticking
- nailing
What is this joining technique called?
- slotting
- nailing ✓
- stacking
- gluing
Which of the following can be used to hold materials together?
- paint
- cardboard
- gum tape ✓
How do you create a flange? Order the steps.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  Cut slits around the base of tube 1-2cm apart.
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  Fold the slits carefully.
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  Apply glue to the folded sections.
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  Press the flange down.

Exit quiz

What does refine mean?
- making small changes to improve a piece of art ✓
- to create something new
- to ignore small details
What details can you add when refining your sculpture?
- 'Adding small materials' ✓
Stability means something is strong and balanced, so it doesn't fall over or tip easily.
- True ✓
- False
What could you do if your robot sculpture doesn’t stand on its own?
- Make the base smaller.
- Start all over again.
- Reinforce joins with extra tape, glue or folded tabs. ✓
- Create a base for the sculpture. ✓
How can you check your sculpture can stand on its own?
- Throw it and see if it lands on its feet.
- Add internal supports like wire or sticks for stability. ✓
- Keep both sides evenly weighted. ✓
- Gently test the balance after adding each part to adjust if needed. ✓
Match the word to the definition.
- maquette
  
  ⇔
  
  is a small, rough model of a sculpture used for planning ✓
- sculpture
  
  ⇔
  
  three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or combining materials ✓
- armature
  
  ⇔
  
  a skeleton frame, basic shape, that holds a maquette together ✓

Worksheet

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Presentation

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

Using tools, paint, or additional materials to refine adds realism, texture, and character to a sculpture.
Adjust and strengthen the sculpture’s structure by securing joints and balancing weight.
Comparing your final sculpture to your maquette helps to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.

Common misconception

Pupils could think the maquette is the final version of their sculpture, rather than a starting point for refining and improving their design.

Remind pupils that a maquette is a guide for their sculpture, not a final blueprint. Emphasise that it's okay to make changes as they work to improve stability and functionality.

Keywords

Sculpture - a three-dimensional piece of art made by shaping or combining materials
Refine - making small changes to improve a piece of art
Maquette - is a small, rough model of a sculpture used for planning