Gears
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the function of gears using specific examples.
Key learning points
- Gears transmit rotary motion.
- A rack and pinion can transfer rotary motion to linear.
Keywords
Gear - a toothed wheel that normally connects to another gear
Driver gear - provides the input movement
Driven gear - provides the output movement
Gear ratio - shows how one gear's speed or force affects another's
Rack and pinion - uses a gear to change rotary motion to linear motion on a rack
Common misconception
Increasing the size of the driven gear, increases the output speed.
Decreasing the size of the driven gear (or increasing the size of driver gear), increases the speed of the driven gear.
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 gears? A hand drill or a rolling mill from your workshop are great examples that you may have.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the description to the type of motion:
motion in a circle
motion one way in a straight line
motion backwards and forwards in a straight line
motion in an arc
Q2.Imagine both spanners are moving at the same speed. Which statements are correct about the larger spanner on the right?
Q3.What do you use on a bike to support your speed on different terrains?
Q4.Match the statements to the description:
provides the input motion
provides the output motion
transfers the motion
Q5.Decreasing the size of the driven pulley wheel (right) in comparison to the driver pulley wheel (left) has what effect on the output:
Q6.What is friction?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which statements are true about a gear?
Q2.Imagine the large gear on the left is the driver gear. What is another name for the small gear in the middle?
Q3.A canal lock is an example of a rack and pinion mechanism. It uses a gear to change rotary motion to motion on a rack.
Q4.Which statement is correct? Driver gear (left), driven gear (right).
Q5.Bevel gears transmit rotary motion through __________ degrees.
Q6.Match the type of gear to the example.
opening and closing a canal lock
manual hand drill
bike gears
raising the heavy table on a pillar drill
hand held manual food mixer
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Gears, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Gears, 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 4 design and technology lessons from the Core principles unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.