Make an electric vehicle chassis
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can build an accurate vehicle chassis.
Key learning points
- Chassis is the name for a vehicle's frame.
- A wooden frame needs measuring and cutting accurately.
- A wooden frame needs to be joined with accuracy.
- Axle holes need to be parallel.
Keywords
Chassis - the frame or base on which a vehicle is built
Accuracy - being exact, without mistakes
Axle holder - a device which holds an axle in place
Parallel - runs side by side but never meets
Common misconception
The position of axle holes and axles doesn't need to be accurately measured.
Axle holes and axles need to be positioned accurately on order for the wheels and pulleys to rotate correctly and produce the correct movement. Accurate measuring is essential.
Teacher tip
Set up work stations for each task with the tools required for sawing and chassis assembly.
Equipment
Please see additionl materials document for information on the resources needed for this lesson.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of of the following would you use to measure wood?
Q2.Which of the following units could you measure the length of a piece of wood in?
Q3.You can use a to cut a piece of wood.
Q4.Match the tool to what it does:
measure
cut
stick
Q5.Why is measuring important when building?
Q6.When two lines are __________, they run side by side and never meet.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the frame of a vehicle called?
Q2.What is 14.5 cm, in mm?
Q3.Match the word to its meaning:
vehicle frame
exact measurement
holds axle in place
Q4.Why is it important to mark all the axle holes using the same measurements?
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Make an electric vehicle chassis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Make an electric vehicle chassis, 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 Pulleys and gears: electric vehicles unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.