New
New
Card slider mechanisms
I can explore and create slider mechanisms using paper and card.
Lesson 2 of 8
New
New
- Year 2
Card slider mechanisms
I can explore and create slider mechanisms using paper and card.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Mechanisms are systems that make something move and include sliders.
- Sliders are rigid bars which move backwards and forwards along a straight line.
- Sliders have a guide, which is used to keep it in place.
- When constructing sliders, it is important to cut and measure accurately.
Keywords
Slider - a bar which moves backwards and forwards along a straight line
Guide - a piece of material used to keep mechanisms in place and control movement
Slot - the hole through which a lever or slider is placed to enable movement
Common misconception
Slider mechanisms have a pivot points.
Slider mechanisms do not have pivot points and therefore do not use split pins. Slider mechanisms use a guide and a slot. They move in a straight line, rather than turning or pivoting.
Rather than using the cover method of creating a slot, the teacher could encourage the children to cut a slot to hide the mechanism behind. Lollypop sticks can be used for the slider mechanism as an alternative to card. This would provide a stronger, rigid bar for the mechanism to move.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Card, card templates, scissors, glue
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of a lever?
Which of the following is an example of a lever?
roundabout
bike wheel
Q2.What does the word 'rigid' mean?
What does the word 'rigid' mean?
bendy
has a pivot
Q3.What can be used to create a pivot point when making a lever out of card?
What can be used to create a pivot point when making a lever out of card?
sticky tape
sticky tack
Q4.The movement on a lever mechanism is from the ...
The movement on a lever mechanism is from the ...
bar
base
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their meaning:
Match the keywords to their meaning:
Q2.Choose the correct sentence below:
Choose the correct sentence below:
The slot needs to be a bit shorter than the slider bar.
The slot needs to be the same size as the slider bar.
Q3.What part of the slider mechanism keeps the slider in place?
What part of the slider mechanism keeps the slider in place?
slot
slider
picture
Q4.What sort of motion does a slider have?
What sort of motion does a slider have?
round and round
swinging in an arc
