Pulley systems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create and understand movement with pulleys.
Key learning points
- Listing main components of a simple electrical vehicle starts a design specification.
- Construction kits can be used to explore pulley direction.
- The size of pulleys affects the speed of rotation.
Keywords
Design specification - a list of things a product should have or do
Pulley - a simple mechanism whereby a belt moves around a grooved wheel
Movement - changing place or position
Rotation - moving in a circular motion
Direction - the way something is going or pointing
Common misconception
The size of a pulley does not effect the speed of rotation.
Smaller pulleys rotate faster than larger pulleys on the same system.
Teacher tip
It is recommended that a simple, model electric vehicle is made in advance for this unit. Using either the method taught in this unit (Lesson 5 onwards), or using available construction kits.
Equipment
Worksheets, construction kits, pulleys.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is movement?
Q2.True or false? Wheels can help things move more easily.
Q3.Simple __________ help us do things more easily, like lifting or pulling.
Q4.What might you use to lift a bucket of water from a well?
Q5.True or false? Electric cars cause more pollution than petrol cars.
Q6.Sort these transport methods from most to least polluting.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does a pulley help us do?
Q2.A pulley uses a belt and a to help things move.
Q3.Match the word to the meaning.
moving in a circle
changing position
the way something is going
a wheel with a belt that helps move things
Q4.The size of a pulley affects the speed of .
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Pulley systems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Pulley 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 Pulleys and gears: electric vehicles unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.