Finishing and testing windmill mechanisms
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can finish and test my windmill.
Key learning points
- Testing a windmill can be completed inside or outside.
- A successful windmill will stand on its own.
- A successful windmill will have sails that rotate.
- Testing is an important way to check that the windmill works.
Keywords
Testing - trying something to see if it works and to make changes or improvement to it
Feedback - comments or suggestions on how to improve a product
Axle - a rod that holds the sail in place and allows it to turn
Success criteria - a list which helps to see if the object does what it is expected to do
Evaluate - checking how good something is and how to make it better
Common misconception
Windmill have to be tested inside
The windmill can be tested inside or outside depending upon the conditions and supervision.
Teacher tip
Take photos of windmill process ready for final lesson. Use pre-cut wooden dowels for axles. This lesson may need a longer session.
Equipment
Scissors, chosen material, sail template, pencils, felt pens and crayons, sticky tack and pencil, split pin, thick straw, wooden dowel, worksheet
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is used in the model windmill to help to keep it upright?
Q2.Which of these are good materials to use as ballast in a model windmill?
Q3.What does freestanding mean?
Q4.A ___________ is what something is made from.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is an axle on a windmill?
Q2.Which of these can be used to make an axle for a model windmill?
Q3.Match the word to the meaning.
trying something to see if it works and to make changes or improvement
comments or suggestions on how to improve a product
a list which helps to see if the object does what it is expected to do
Q4.Which food item with layers might help us remember the "positive, something to improve, positive" approach to giving feedback?
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Finishing and testing windmill mechanisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 design and technology lesson on: Finishing and testing windmill 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 Rotary mechanisms: windmills unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.