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Lesson 2 of 10

Developing understanding of different mechanisms and how to make them

In this lesson, we will learn about a range of mechanisms and learn how to produce your own. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

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View unit
Lesson 2 of 10

Developing understanding of different mechanisms and how to make them

In this lesson, we will learn about a range of mechanisms and learn how to produce your own. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

Download all
Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. the correct technical vocabulary for the projects they are undertaking
  2. how mechanical systems such as levers and linkages or pneumatic systems create movement

Equipment

Card, paper, masking tape, paper fasteners, glue stick, scissors

Content guidance

  • Equipment requiring safe usage.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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3 Questions

Q1.
What is a mechanism?

A fixed structure.
A mechanical robot.
Correct answer: Where materials or components are connected to make movement.

Q2.
What is a lever?

A flexible bar.
A leveling tool.
Correct answer: A rigid bar (or card) which rests on a pivot. It can move in a curved and straight motion.

Q3.
What is a pivot?

A ballet move.
Correct answer: A central point (or pin) on which can make a mechanism turn.
A rigid lever.

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is a mechanism?

A mechanical robot.
Where materials are static and do not move.
Correct answer: Where materials or components are connected to make movement.

Q2.
What is a lever?

A lever is a movement separate to a pivot.
A lever means to level something.
Correct answer: A lever moves around a pivot. It can move in a curved motion or rotation.

Q3.
What does an oscillating movement means?

Correct answer: A movement which is back and forth in an arc.
A rotating movement.
An up and down movement.

Q4.
What does a fixed pivot mean when we are using card and a split pin?

Correct answer: A fixed pivot is when a split pin joins the card strips to the backing card.
A fixed pivot is when only the split pin is attached to the card strip.
A fixed pivot means everything is fixed so nothing can move.

Lesson appears in

UnitDesign and technology / Mechanisms: levers and linkages

Design and technology

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