Exploring pneumatic systems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how pneumatic systems work.
Key learning points
- The air inside the bottle forces air into the balloon which expands.
- Air inside one syringe is forced through the plastic tubing into the other syringe, which is forced to open.
- If one syringe is a different size to the other, the amount of air in the syringes affects the movement.
Keywords
Pneumatic system - a mechanism that uses moving air to make things happen
Input - something put into a system
Output - something that comes out of a system
Common misconception
Air can only be directed to one place (output).
One input can affect multiple outputs by splitting the flow or direction of the air.
Teacher tip
Pupils should work in groups and share resources to explore the different combinations of components. Be aware of pupils with latex allergies, if using latex based balloons.
Equipment
A selection of different size bottles (washing-up or sports drink bottles with nozzles work best), different lengths of tubing, syringes of diffeent sizes (5 ml, 10 ml and 20 ml) and balloons.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - may contain allergens
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with the letter 'i' means to make something bigger by filling it with air (or gas)?
Q2.Air __________ is the force of air pushing against a surface.
Q3.The air pressure outside a balloon is __________ the air pressure inside the balloon.
Q4.What does the word pneumatic mean?
Q5.What is this device called?
Q6.Which of these would not be inflated or made using air directly from our lungs?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is air pressure?
Q2.Air pressure can be affected by temperature, elevation and ...
Q3.Order the actions in this simple pneumatic system.
Q4.Which would fill the balloon in the output the quickest?
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Exploring pneumatic systems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Exploring pneumatic systems, 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 Pneumatics: moving toys unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.