Movement with mechanisms
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the different types of motion in mechanisms.
Key learning points
- A lever is a very simple way to gain a mechanical advantage (MA) to make moving or lifting something easier.
- Levers have three changeable elements on a bar, the fulcrum, effort and load.
- Linkages are mechanisms that can change the magnitude and directions of a force.
- Cams convert rotary into reciprocating motion. The shape of a cam determines the speed and magnitude of the motion.
- The shape of the bottom of the follower changes the accuracy of the motion, however, this affects wear and friction.
Keywords
Fulcrum - a fixed pivot point
Effort - input force
Load - output force
Linkages - a set of levers joined together to transfer and control motion
Cam - a mechanical component that converts rotary motion into linear motion
Common misconception
The only way to gain MA is by increasing the input force.
MA can be increased by increasing the distance from the fulcrum and the effort. For example, increasing the arm length on the handle of a flat head screwdriver when opening a can of paint.
Teacher tip
Building bricks are a great way to teach levers and to see the impact of changing forces and distances from fulcrum. Look around your classroom; you will have examples such as screwdrivers, tongs, scissors, tin snips, wheelbarrows that you could use to demonstrate both levers and linkages.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What tool is used to combine shapes in Tinkercad?
Q2.What drawing tool is being shown?
Q3.Which tool would you use to create an accurate 2D shape?
Q4.What are the black circles called used for aligning shapes?
Q5.A robot's characteristics are sense, and act with some autonomy.
Q6.What task does this domestic robot perform?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the motion to the definition.
follows a circular path about a fixed axis
moves back and forth along a circular path
follows a straight path
moves back and forth along a straight path
Q2.What type of motion does a conveyor belt move in?
Q3.What type of motion does an electric toothbrush move in?
Q4.What is the part called that a lever sits on?
Q5.What type of linkage is this?
To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Movement with mechanisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 design and technology lesson on: Movement with mechanisms, 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 3 design and technology lessons from the Prototypes with mechanisms: robotics and automation unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.