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      Parallel and push-pull linkages

      I can make parallel and push-pull linkages.

      Lesson 2 of 8
      New
      New
      • Year 4

      Parallel and push-pull linkages

      I can make parallel and push-pull linkages.

      Lesson details

      Key learning points

      1. A parallel linkage contains fixed pivots and allow movement back and forth and side to side.
      2. A push-pull linkage allows the input and output levers to move in the same direction.

      Keywords

      • Parallel linkage - a linkage that creates movement in the same direction using two pairs of levers

      • Input - something that goes into a system

      • Output - something that comes out of a system

      • Push-pull linkage - a linkage that uses short levers to push and pull three other levers in the same direction

      Common misconception

      Push-pull and parallel linkages are made of more than one lever.

      Levers can be joined together to form a linkage. A parallel and push-pull linkage is made up of multiple levers.

      Print the linkage worksheet straight onto card if possible. The linkages can work using paper but are more effective using card. Save card by using cereal boxes (that had not contained nuts) as a back drop. This is a prototype for the children and a cereal box is perfect for this task
      Teacher tip

      Equipment

      Please see the additional materials for the equipment and resources

      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 is another word for a fulcrum?

      fixed pivot
      loose pivot
      Correct answer: pivot point
      centre point

      Q2.
      Which of the following describes a lever?

      a rigid bar that does not turn
      Correct answer: a rigid bar that does not bend
      a rigid bar that bends when force applied

      Q3.
      Complete the following sentence. A reverse motion linkage creates movement that is ...

      An image in a quiz
      in the same direction.
      Correct answer: in opposite directions.
      in a downward direction.
      in an upward direction.

      Q4.
      A reverse motion linkage contains ...

      Correct answer: one fixed pivot.
      two fixed pivots.
      three fixed pivots.
      four fixed pivots.
      five fixed pivots.

      Q5.
      Match the definitions

      Correct Answer:input,starts the mechanism

      starts the mechanism

      Correct Answer:output,the outcome of the mechanism

      the outcome of the mechanism

      Correct Answer:mechanism,a set of moving parts that make something happen

      a set of moving parts that make something happen

      Correct Answer:linkage,a mechanism connecting levers together

      a mechanism connecting levers together

      Q6.
      Which of the following is the word used to describe a mechanism that connects levers together?

      Fulcrum
      Pivot
      Correct answer: Linkage
      Lever

      Assessment exit quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      To create movement, a parallel linkage must have ...

      all loose pivots.
      Correct answer: fixed and loose pivots.
      all fixed pivots.

      Q2.
      How does a parallel linkage move?

      side-to-side, with the input and output not moving in any direction
      Correct answer: side-to-side, with the input and output moving in the same direction
      side-to-side, with the input and output moving in opposite directions

      Q3.
      Which of the following explanations are the best description for parallel linkages?

      one pair of parallel levers
      Correct answer: two pairs of parallel levers
      three pairs of parallel levers
      four pairs of parallel levers

      Q4.
      How many fixed pivot points does a push-pull linkage usually have?

      Correct Answer: Two, 2

      Q5.
      Match the words to the definition.

      Correct Answer:loose pivot,a free moving point that joins two levers together

      a free moving point that joins two levers together

      Correct Answer:fixed pivot,a point that joins a lever to one place

      a point that joins a lever to one place

      Correct Answer:input,the motion used to start a mechanism

      the motion used to start a mechanism

      Correct Answer:output,the motion caused by the input

      the motion caused by the input

      Q6.
      What happens to the input and output movements on a push-pull linkage?

      An image in a quiz
      They move in opposite directions.
      They move apart.
      Correct answer: They move in the same direction.

      Lesson appears in

      UnitDesign and technology / Levers and linkages: interactive books

      Design and technology