Week 2 — Align & Group (Character Design)

Focus Concept: Aligning, grouping and arranging shapes to make a simple character
Mini-Project: Simple Character

Connections to STEAM Learning

  • Computing: Using alignment tools to control layout rather than “eyeballing”.
  • Design & Technology: Building up a product (a character token) from parts.
  • Maths: Symmetry and spacing between features.
  • Art & Design: Expression, proportion and visual style.
  • Engineering: Keeping bases flat and stable so the model can stand or sit on a surface.

This week, participants use align and group to place eyes, mouth and other features accurately, building a simple 3D character.

Objectives

  • Use the align tool to position features accurately.
  • Group shapes to form a single object.
  • Design and build a simple character with a clear face and body.

Success Criteria

  • I can use the align tool to centre or line up shapes.
  • I can group shapes so they move as one.
  • I can design a simple character whose features are spaced sensibly.

Key Vocabulary

  • Align — line shapes up along edges or centres.
  • Group — join shapes together so they behave like one object.
  • Symmetry — when two sides of something match in shape and size.

Part A — Explore Align & Group

  • Demonstrate aligning two eyes on a face shape.
  • Show how grouping keeps features together when the body is moved.
  • Let learners practise aligning a few simple shapes in rows or columns.

Part B — Make: Simple Character

  • Start from a basic body shape (e.g. cylinder, box, or rounded shape).
  • Add eyes, mouth and optional features (hat, ears, arms) using smaller shapes.
  • Use align to centre eyes or line up details on both sides.

Part C — Extend & Share

  • Add a simple base or stand so the character can sit on a shelf.
  • Encourage participants to name their character and briefly explain its design.

Resources

Equipment

  • Laptops / Chromebooks with internet
  • Mouse per device
  • Projector or large screen

Safety & Setup Notes

  • Remind learners not to crowd the screen — work in pairs at most if sharing devices.
  • If prints will be made later, avoid very thin arms or necks that could easily snap.