Design Technology: Sliders and Levers

Design and technology project

Mechanisms- Sliders and Levers 

Prior learning

Prior learning

• Early experiences of working with paper and card to make simple flaps and hinges.

• Experience of simple cutting, shaping and joining skills using scissors, glue, paper fasteners and masking tape.

Designing

• Generate ideas based on simple design criteria and their own experiences, explaining what they could make.

• Develop, model and communicate their ideas through drawings and mock-ups with card and paper.

Making

• Plan by suggesting what to do next.

• Select and use tools, explaining their choices, to cut, shape and join paper and card.

• Use simple finishing techniques suitable for the product they are creating.

Evaluating

• Explore a range of existing books and everyday products that use simple sliders and levers.

• Evaluate their product by discussing how well it works in relation to the purpose and the user and whether it meets design criteria.

Technical knowledge and understanding

• Explore and use sliders and levers.

• Understand that different mechanisms produce different types of movement.

• Know and use technical vocabulary relevant to the project.

Skills progression

Key Stage 1

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 and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment].

When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design

•  design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users 

• based on design criteria generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, 

• templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology

Make

•  select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing]

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

• materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics

Evaluate

•  explore and evaluate a range of existing products

•  evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria

Technical knowledge

•  build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable

•  explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their products

Key vocabulary

names of existing products, joining and finishing techniques, tools, fabrics and components template, pattern pieces, mark out, join, decorate, finish