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Develop ideas through cross-section diagrams

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can draw cross-section diagrams.

Key learning points

  1. A cross-section diagram shows the inside of something.
  2. Cross section diagrams are usually vertical or horizontal planes.
  3. When drawing cross sections, one plane is the main view.

Keywords

  • Cross-section - the inside view of a 3D object when cut straight through

  • Plane - a completely flat surface that goes on forever in all directions

  • Vertical - an up-down direction or position

  • Horizontal - side to side, like the horizon

Common misconception

All cross-section diagrams show the vertical plane.

Cross-sections diagrams can show the horizontal or vertical planes and these can provide very different views.

Teacher tip

As an additional activity, pupils could cut open fruits/vegetables using vertical and horizontal cuts to observe the difference in view. Pupils could also sketch these views.

Equipment

Please see the additional materials document for details on the resources needed for this lesson.

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

6 Questions

Q1.
How many millimetres are there in 1cm?

Correct Answer: 10, ten, 10mm, 10 millimetres, ten millimetres

Q2.
Which of these tools is designed to help you draw accurate straight lines?

compass
Correct answer: ruler
tape measure
measuring jug

Q3.
What type of movement does a wheel make on an axle?

Correct answer: rotary
back and forth
linear
up and down

Q4.
Which of these best describes a diagram?

a diagram shows real life
Correct answer: a diagram shows a drawing or representation
a diagram is a written text
a diagram can be heard

Q5.
Which of these is a softwood?

oak
Correct answer: pine
mahogany
balsa

Q6.
Which of these is NOT part of a cam mechanism?

axle
slide
follower
cam
Correct answer: lever

6 Questions

Q1.
What does a cross-section diagram show?

external view
Correct answer: internal view
close-up view
distance view

Q2.
Cross-section diagrams are either on a horizontal or vertical ...

plate
plain
Correct answer: plane
view

Q3.
Which of these has been cut vertically?

An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

Q4.
Who would NOT use cross-section diagrams in their job?

architects
engineers
product designers
Correct answer: hairdressers
scientists

Q5.
What do we call a mechanical toy that uses a cam mechanism to animate a character or scene?

Correct Answer: automaton, automata

Q6.
Which part of a cam mechanism can be changed to affect the movement of the follower?

axle
Correct answer: cam disc
crank
animated character

To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Develop ideas through cross-section diagrams, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...