DT Mechanisms - Wheels and Axles - Designing!

This engaging and purposeful series of lessons enables children to gradually develop towards constructing prototype vehicles using wheels and axles. The resources were originally created to guide children towards building safari buggies, but the resources can easily be adapted to fit your own particular project.

This is the second lesson in the series, which enables children to:
-Recall how wheel and axle mechanisms work;
-Recall key terminology relating to wheel and axle mechanisms;
-Understand a clear design brief;
-Understand the key considerations of the design, including the effectiveness of the mechanism, and the functionality and appearance of the vehicle;
-Complete their plans, using the well-structured planning sheet;
-Peer and self-assess their designs in relation to the success criteria.

Included is an eye-catching and comprehensive 14-slide PowerPoint presentation, and the design template (in both Word and PDF - A3).

These lessons were originally created for children in year 2, but may be adapted for slightly older and younger year groups.