Motors
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the function of different motors and use them as output components in a control system.
Key learning points
- Motors can be used to create movement in a control system.
- A current carrying wire in a uniform magnetic field is forced to move; we use this movement to make motors.
- DC motors are most suitable for applications where continuous rotation is needed.
- Servo motors control position, speed, and torque. They are suitable for applications where precision is required.
Keywords
Direct current (DC) - the electric current flows in one direction only
Torque - a force that makes something rotate
Servo motor - a motor that uses a closed-loop system to ensure accurate and precise control of their position, speed, and torque
Uniform magnetic field - a magnetic field that has the same strength everywhere with evenly spaced field lines
Common misconception
All motors operate in the same way.
DC motors use open-loop systems, and servo motors use a closed-loop system.
Teacher tip
Borrow a DC motor from science to help with the explanation of opertion. Download and test the exemplar program before the lesson.
Equipment
Access to Tinkercad.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the types of force to the definition.
a rotating force
a stretching force
a squashing force
Q2.Identify the input components.
Q3.A current limiting is used to protect some electrical components.
Q4.Control system outputs can be , movement or sound.
Q5.Identify the output components.
Q6.What can be used to help plan a control system?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Direct current allows electric current to flow in one only.
Q2.Which of these show a uniform magnetic field between the motor magnets?
Q3.DC motors are most suitable for applications where continuous rotation is needed, such as ...
Q4.A servo motor uses a closed-loop system to ensure accurate and precise control of ...
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Motors, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 design and technology lesson on: Motors, 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 Systems approach to design: Sustainable Futures unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.