KS1 & KS2 design and technology curriculum

Unit sequence

Filter and highlight

Year group

Highlight a thread
Design and technology
Year 4

Levers and linkages: interactive books

8 lessons

Threads

  • Critique and evaluate
  • Make
  • Systems
  • User-centred design

Description

This unit develops pupils' knowledge of mechanisms through levers and linkages. They will apply this knowledge by exploring mechanisms and incorporating them into an interactive book with a user-centred focus.

Identifying mechanical systems and relating these to authentic real life products is essential for pupils to be able to design and make their own systems. This unit builds upon the Year 2 'Levers and sliders: moving cards' unit and teaches pupils the knowledge and science within more complicated levers and linkages. The mechanical system knowledge learnt in this unit is further developed in the Year 6 'Cams: automata' unit.

  1. Reverse motion levers and linkages
  2. Parallel and push-pull linkages
  3. Bell crank and lazy-tong linkages
  4. Levers and linkages in products
  5. User research
  6. Plan and make an interactive book
  7. Assembling components for an interactive book
  8. Present the book to the user

  • Pupils have explored and used mechanisms such as flaps, sliders and levers.
  • Pupils have gained experience of basic cutting, joining and finishing techniques with paper and card.
  • Pupils have developed some cutting, joining and finishing skills with card.

Use this KS1 and KS2 design and technology curriculum plan to explore how pupils build knowledge of ...

18 units shown,

Need help with our new curriculum?

Visit our help centre for technical support as well as tips and ideas to help you make the most of Oak.

Go to help centre