Testing wind sails

Design and technology

Rotary motion

Using wind

Select materials for 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.

True or false? All sails turn in a rotary motion.

What do we use to safely make holes in card?

Rotary motion is where something moves in a...

What do windmills use to grind the grain?

True or false? All windmills produce electricity?

In a windmill the {{}} uses rotary motion to grind the grains.

Testing wind sails

Lesson outcome

Content guidance