Levers and linkages in products
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify different linkages within existing products.
Key learning points
- Interactive books have a variety of linkages inside them.
- Linkages are chosen to carry out a purpose in a product.
- Analysis of existing book designs can help develop new designs.
Keywords
Product - an item designed to be used
Purpose - an intended function or result
Input - the motion used to start a mechanism
Output - the motion created by the input
Common misconception
All linkages can be found in interactive books.
Not all linkages are suitable for use in an interactive book. Those that are used are chosen because they are the simplest, most functional option for the intended purpose.
Teacher tip
Books that contain visible examples of the linkages discussed in the lesson can be difficult to find but would be useful. Good examples can sometimes be found in non-fiction science books.
Equipment
See additional resources document for details of equipment required for this lesson.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these linkages work in the same way?
Q2.How many pivot points are there on a bell crank linkage?
Q3.What do we call the effort needed to start movement in a mechanism?
Q4.What does 'opposite direction' mean?
Q5.A 90 degree angle is also known as a...
Q6.Match the linkage to the description.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word 'purpose' mean?
Q2.What is a product?
Q3.Why are flaps used in books aimed at young children?
Q4.Which of these linkages creates an output in the opposite direction to the input?
Q5. Think about interactive books and match these words to the meaning.
Q6.Why aren't lazy-tong linkages used in interactive books?
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Levers and linkages in products, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Levers and linkages in products, 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 2 design and technology lessons from the Levers and linkages: interactive books unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.