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Lesson 1 of 8
Lesson 1 of 8
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Reverse motion levers and linkages
I can make reverse motion linkages.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Levers are rigid bars that create movement by turning on a pivot point.
- Linkages are systems that create movement using one or more levers.
- Reverse motion linkages use a fixed pivot to change the direction of input so that the output goes the opposite way.
- Making a reverse motion linkage can help with understanding its features and movement.
Keywords
Mechanism - a set of moving parts that make something happen
Lever - a mechanism which creates movement
Pivot point - a point around which an object moves or rotates
Linkage - a mechanism connecting levers together
Reverse motion linkage - a linkage that creates movement in opposite directions
Common misconception
Levers are always used to make things move easier.
Some levers are designed to to move things faster or further, a pair of tweezers for example.
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 - may contain allergens
- 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
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6 Questions
Q1.What does rigid mean?
What does rigid mean?
Hard to lever
Hard to slide
Q2.A see-saw usually creates the following type of movement:
A see-saw usually creates the following type of movement:
Round and up
Round and down
Q3.What is a mechanism?
What is a mechanism?
A set of connected parts that do not move.
A set of unconnected parts that do not move.
Q4.Which part of a wheelbarrow is the fulcrum?
Which part of a wheelbarrow is the fulcrum?
Handle
Barrow
Q5.Where on a see-saw do you usually see a fulcrum?
Where on a see-saw do you usually see a fulcrum?
On top and in the middle of the rigid bar.
On top and on the end of the rigid bar.
Under and on the end of the rigid bar.
Q6.Where would you find the fulcrum on a pair of scissors?
Where would you find the fulcrum on a pair of scissors?
Handle
End of the blade
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.On a lever, the fulcrum is ...
On a lever, the fulcrum is ...
the point where the lever is weakest.
the point where force is applied to the lever.
Q2.The force we use to make the lever work is called ...
The force we use to make the lever work is called ...
the load.
the fulcrum.
Q3.Which of these is a class two lever?
Which of these is a class two lever?
Tweezers
Scissors
Q4.A reverse motion linkage uses ...
A reverse motion linkage uses ...
one fixed pivot and one moving pivot.
two fixed pivots and one moving pivot.
two fixed pivots and two moving pivots.
Q5.Which of the following were used as pivots in the making activity?
Which of the following were used as pivots in the making activity?
Card
Scissors
Pencils
Q6.What is the movement that affects the output of a mechanism?
What is the movement that affects the output of a mechanism?