Lesson 1 • Designing a playground

Allow students to play in the playground prior to starting this activity.

Convene the whole class back in the classroom.

Ask: We have all had a play in the playground. What do you like to do?

Invite students to share their answers.

At this point, introduce the idea of a playground that is fun and fair, where everyone can enjoy themselves.

Discuss: Do you think the playground we were in is a fair playground where everyone can have fun? What makes a playground fun and fair?

• For the playground to be fun and fair, all students should be able to do something that they like to do. Also, students who might have injuries (e.g., broken arm or leg) or disabilities should also be able to have fun.

Ask: What should we have in our playground so that everyone is able to enjoy themselves?

Display the investigation question for students to see throughout this sequence: What would we have in a playground where everyone in our class can have fun?

Provide students with a sheet of A3 paper and ask them to draw a picture to show a playground design where everyone can have fun.

When students have completed their designs, allow them time to look at other students' designs. They may alter their designs if they choose.

Briefly review the kinds of things they have included for students to do in their playground, and to provide reasons for including them.