Cams and pulleys
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the function of cams and pulleys using specific examples.
Key learning points
- Cams are used in mechanisms to change the direction of motion.
- Pulleys transmit rotary motion.
Keywords
Cam - a mechanical component that converts rotary motion into linear motion
Follower - a part of a machine that moves up and down or back and forth when it touches a cam
Friction - resistance which is encountered when two things rub together
Pulley - a grooved wheel over which a belt can run
Common misconception
The larger the diameter of a pulley wheel, the higher the output speed.
The smaller the pulley wheel, the quicker it will complete a rotation, therefore increasing the output speed.
Teacher tip
Would be lovely to build your own/student examples out of scrap materials or toy bricks. Look around your classroom, what do you have in your workshop that could be examples of cams and pulleys? Lifting the top off the pillar drill when it is isolated from electricity can demonstrate pulleys.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A bike wheel turning around is an example of which type of motion?
Q2.Tweezers are an example of which type of lever?
Q3.Increasing the length of the handles would make it to cut through a piece of fabric.
Q4.The distance from one side of a circle to the other going through the centre, is known as the ...
Q5.What does a simple cam do when it turns?
Q6.Why would you use a pulley in a machine?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.This is the inside of a pillar drill. The yellow rings in the centre right, are examples of a ...
Q2.The motion of the follower using a __________ shaped cam gradually rises and then suddenly falls.
Q3.Rotary motion in cams is changed into which motion in followers?
Q4.Match the motion to the product:
car driving along a road
sewing machine needle
ferris wheel
swing
Q5. occurs when two things rub together.
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Cams and pulleys, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Cams and pulleys, 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.
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