Card slider mechanisms
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore and create slider mechanisms using paper and card.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
Card, card templates, scissors, glue
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of a lever?
Q2.What does the word 'rigid' mean?
Q3.What can be used to create a pivot point when making a lever out of card?
Q4.The movement on a lever mechanism is from the ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their meaning:
Q2.Choose the correct sentence below:
Q3.What part of the slider mechanism keeps the slider in place?
Q4.What sort of motion does a slider have?
To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Card slider mechanisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Card slider mechanisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 design and technology lessons from the Levers and sliders: moving cards unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.