New
New
Lesson 11 of 13
New
New
- Year 5
How gears can help us
I can describe how gears can make difficult work easier.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gears are simple mechanisms or machines which are useful for turning things.
- Gears are wheels with teeth that slot together and turn on an axle.
- Gears can change the direction of a force. When one gear is turned, the other gear turns in the opposite direction.
- Gears of different sizes working together can be used to change the size of a force and reduce the effort required.
- A smaller gear will turn rapidly with less force, whereas a larger gear will turn more slowly with a greater force.
Keywords
Gear - A gear is a simple machine which is useful for turning things.
Cogs - A cog is a toothed wheel, often used in gear systems.
Axle - An axle is a rod that goes through the centre of the wheel to help it move and stay in place.
Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, slow down, change direction or change shape.
Common misconception
Gears only exist in bicycles and cars.
Explicit teaching of what gears are and where they are found.
Encourage children to notice how a gear is changing the original force. Does it change direction, effort or both?
Teacher tip
Equipment
See additional materials.
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
6 Questions
Q1.What effect do simple machines have?
What effect do simple machines have?
they make it harder to perform tasks
some make it easier and some make it harder to perform tasks
Q2.Both of these simple machines are useful for lifting things. Match the name to the description.
Both of these simple machines are useful for lifting things. Match the name to the description.
Q3.Which of these images show a lever ?
Which of these images show a lever ?
a cart wheel
a window blind
Q4.What is the name of the point along a lever around which it turns?
What is the name of the point along a lever around which it turns?
Q5.With this pulley, in which direction is the effort compared to the movement of the load?
With this pulley, in which direction is the effort compared to the movement of the load?
same
it depends how you use it
Q6.Which word is used to describe the force needed to move a load using a simple machine?
Which word is used to describe the force needed to move a load using a simple machine?
Q3 image 1 Wagon wheel, Daniel Rothamel, 2008, Licensed under CC BY 2.0
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Gears are simple mechanisms or machines which are useful for things.
Gears are simple mechanisms or machines which are useful for things.
lifting
lowering
Q2.What is the name of the rod that holds a gear in place?
What is the name of the rod that holds a gear in place?
load
pivot
stick
axis
Q3.What is the name for the parts which stick out on the edge of a cog?
What is the name for the parts which stick out on the edge of a cog?
ridges
wheels
zig-zags
Q4.If you have two gears, in which direction does the second one turn compared to the first?
If you have two gears, in which direction does the second one turn compared to the first?
the same direction
it depends how you turn it
Q5.Gears can change the size of a force. They allow a smaller force to have a effect.
Gears can change the size of a force. They allow a smaller force to have a effect.
Q6.Match the size of the gears to the size of the force.
Match the size of the gears to the size of the force.
