Make a windmill

Design and technology

Rotary motion

Using wind

Testing wind sails

Select materials for wind sails

Selecting an axle for a windmill

Finishing and testing windmill mechanisms

Presenting final designs

This unit introduces knowledge of simple rotary mechanisms that create movement. Pupils will investigate how windmills work, consider sail design, and produce a working model that will be tested for stability and movement.

Rotary mechanisms: windmills

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

Ballast is something __________ that helps keep a structure stable.

Which of the following is a good material for ballast?

To help to stabilise a paper windmill you can use __________ or __________ to stick supports to the base.

A material is is what an object is made from.

Which of these objects are made from more than one material?

Match the object to the material it is made from.

Make a windmill

Lesson outcome

Content guidance