Select materials for wind sails

Design and technology

Rotary motion

Using wind

Testing wind sails

Selecting an axle for a windmill

Make 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.

Which of these are properties of materials?

What do we call it when we try something to see if it works well?

pick the one we like the most, even if it didn’t work well

What should we do after testing different sails?

What tool would you use to cut the wind sails for your windmill?

Select materials for wind sails

Lesson outcome

Content guidance