🎯 Learning intentions
- I can describe the WHS protocol for scissors, PVA glue, and hot glue guns.
- I can build a neat base chord from popsicle sticks.
- I can photograph my build progress for the build journal.
✅ Success criteria
- I have signed the WHS Briefing Sheet.
- My base chord is laid out, glued and clamped (masking tape).
- My build journal has a dated photo labelled 'L11 base chord complete'.
Do Now · 5 min
Collect your build kit from the front: 1 × PVA bottle, 1 × ruler, 1 × scissors, 1 × masking tape, 100 popsicle sticks in a box labelled with your team name. DO NOT open the glue yet.
I Do · ~10 min Teacher demonstration
WHS briefing — teacher-delivered, everyone listening, no building until signed.
- Scissors: cut AWAY from body. Pass HANDLE first. Put them down on the desk when not in use — never point them.
- PVA glue: small drop only. Cap the bottle when not in use. Wipe spills immediately. Wash hands at end of lesson.
- Hot glue gun: ONLY when Ms Gao hands it to you. Low-temp guns only. Never touch the metal tip. Say "hot glue passing" when moving it. Set it on the cool-down mat when done. No unattended glue guns.
- Work area: newspaper under your workstation. Clean up glue drips. Keep aisles clear.
- Injuries: tell Ms Gao immediately. First aid kit on the wall.
Everyone signs the WHS Briefing Sheet. No signature = no build.
Then — teacher demo of joining 2 popsicle sticks with PVA:
- Lay sticks on newspaper.
- Small drop of PVA (pea-sized) on one stick.
- Press second stick on top. Hold 30 seconds.
- Wipe off excess glue with finger or tissue.
- Clamp with masking tape if needed. Leave to set — PVA needs ~20 minutes.
We Do · ~15 min Guided practice
Class practice — everyone joins 2 sticks together using PVA under teacher watch. Ms Gao walks the room and approves before you continue.
You Do · ~35 min Independent pair work
Build the base chord (30 min).
- Measure and cut any sticks you need at non-standard lengths (use ruler + scissors).
- Lay out ONE base chord (bottom of ONE truss) on your work surface. Do not glue yet.
- Check length matches your drawing from L08 (450 mm total).
- When happy with layout, glue stick-to-stick joints with PVA. Use masking tape to hold joints flat while drying.
- Take photo 1 for your build journal. Caption: "L11 – Base chord complete for [team name]. Next lesson: verticals."
- Label your work with masking tape + team name. Place on drying shelf.
Differentiation
🪜Support
Teacher pre-cuts 24 sticks to 60 mm for verticals. Paired jig (printed layout template) to keep chord straight.
🎯Core
Lay out, measure, glue and clamp with partner.
🚀Extension
Laminate your base chord (two sticks side by side, glued together) for extra strength — plan for longer drying time.
Exit Ticket · 5 min
- 3 WHS rules from today.
- How long does PVA take to set enough to handle?
- Did you get a photo for your build journal? (yes/no)
📚 Resources for this lesson
Before you leave Quick check-in
🚩 Stuck or confused?
Click this button to flag to Ms Gao that you need a 1-to-1 next lesson. Your message is copied — paste it into a Google Classroom private comment.
📄 Export journal so far
Save your journal as a .txt file to upload to Google Classroom for Ms Gao's Friday review.
📓 Open journal + export