Design Technology

Design and technology project

Mechanical systems- Levers and linkages 

Prior learning

• Explored and used mechanisms such as flaps,sliders and levers.

• Gained experience of basic cutting, joining and finishing techniques with paper and card.

Designing

• Generate realistic ideas and their own design criteria through discussion, focusing on the needs of the user.

• Use annotated sketches and prototypes to develop, model and communicate ideas.

Making

• Order the main stages of making.

• Select from and use appropriate tools with some accuracy to cut, shape and join paper and card.

• Select from and use finishing techniques suitable for the product they are creating.

Evaluating

• Investigate and analyse books and, where available, other products with lever and linkage mechanisms.

• Evaluate their own products and ideas against criteria and user needs, as they design and make.

Technical knowledge and understanding

• Understand and use lever and linkage mechanisms.

• Distinguish between fixed and loose pivots.

• Know and use technical vocabulary relevant to the project.

Skills progression

Key Stage 2

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment].

When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design

•  use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, 

• appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

•  generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated 

• sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and 

• computer-aided design

Make

•  select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks 

• [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

•  select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction 

• materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic 

• qualities

Evaluate

•  investigate and analyse a range of existing products

•  evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the 

• views of others to improve their work

•  understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped 

• shape the world

Technical knowledge

•  apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex 

• structures

•  understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, 

• cams, levers and linkages]

•  understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits 

• incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]

•  apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

Key vocabulary

mechanism, lever, linkage, pivot, slot, bridge, guide system, input, process, output linear, rotary, oscillating, reciprocating user, purpose, function