Consider smart or modern textile technologies when making a sports kit This resource focusses on designing a modern, stylish kit for a national team that will be playing at the football World Cup. This STEM activity is one of a series of resources designed to allow learners to use the theme of the football World Cup to develop their knowledge and skills in Design and Technology. Students will consider the colours used in different national flags and existing kits. They will then produce their own design for a national team of their choice, which makes use of smart or modern textiles technologies. Please do remember to share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery.

Designing footwear for sports use Trainers are one of the most commonly worn shoes in our culture. They provide comfortable support for our feet as we go about our active lives as students, athletes, educators and engineers. The design of trainers (and all athletic shoes) is based on how they will be used and is an example of bioengineering. This activity introduces the concept of research through product analysis to support the design process. The main activity involves designing a trainer. Activity info, teachers’ notes and curriculum links In this activity, learners will use the theme of the London Marathon to respond to a design context, investigate existing products for inspiration and design a trainer. This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to develop skills in designing. It could also be used to introduce the review of existing products to inspire design solutions. All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download and are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs. And please do share your learning highlights and final creations with us on social media @IETeducation or send them via email to IETEducation@theiet.org to be featured in our online gallery. Tools/resources required Pens, pencils and drawing instruments Variety of trainers/shoes for comparison The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.