Adding wheels to a vehicle
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore and test wheels, axles and axle holders and choose the right one for my vehicle.
Key learning points
- Axles must be parallel to each other.
- Different materials can be used to make wheels, axles and axle holders.
- Exploring different wheels, axles and axle holders allows the right ones to be chosen for a vehicle.
- Materials should be chosen based on their properties and suitability.
Keywords
Choose - to make a decision
Axle - a rod that holds a wheel in place and allows it to turn
Axle holder - the part where the axle goes through to hold it in place but still allow the axle to rotate
Parallel - two lines or surfaces that are always the same distance apart and never meet
Common misconception
Axle holders can be placed at any angle.
Clarify that axles need to be parallel to ensure proper wheel function.
Teacher tip
Lots of opportunities to explore a range of vehicles and use of construction kits to support using axles, wheels and axle holders.
Equipment
Pegs, cardboard triangles, straws, sticky tape, glue stick, masking tape, stapler, PVA glue, pencil, ruler, card, hole punch, scissrs, sticky tack, wooden dowel, worksheet, different wheels.
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 these are good ways to join card?
Q2.You __________ card so you know where to cut.
Q3.Which of these are properties of card?
Q4.A __________ describes what a product has to do.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does parallel mean?
Q2.If you reinforce something, what do you do?
Q3.How do wheels help the vehicle to move?
Q4.Which two of these could you use for an axle on a cardboard vehicle?
To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Adding wheels to a vehicle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 design and technology lesson on: Adding wheels to a vehicle, 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 Wheels and axles: vehicles unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.