An activity and information presentation about motion, levers and linkages to inspire your charges for a mechanisms based assignment.

Production exercise for a key stage three group using timber and basic mechanisms. Sequential photo diagrams and notes explains how to construct a mechanical timber robot from stock size softwood. Each stage of making is described in sequence with all the dimensions and assembly instructions. Enrichment opportunity exists in prompts toward a more sophisticated outcome. The second booklet contains photographs only and more detail about production aids to explain assembly

Preparation for AQA exam board timed test for Resistant Materials. Contains information about the designer and lots of prompts, vocabulary and focused tasks in order to prepare for the exam.

Construction exercise resource for a mechanical toy. Consists of templates, and some information about construction and variations/changes/development of the basic design. It works on an eccentric cam. I've used it successfully with lower ability students who respond well to a more directed approach.

Introduction and tasks to develop students ability to recognise and describe a basic range of composite materials

A resource developed for years seven, eight or nine to improve graphic skills and presentation of ideas. The seven tasks begin with thick and thin line technique, rendering materials and texture. Students are given 'sample sheets' of black and white rendered forms that show how tonal detail and specific materials would appear rendered in both monochrome and colour. Students are then prompted to look at how to combine colour with tone and texture. The Powerpoint contains all the visual resources and examples needed to complete the assignment.

A task designed to help students gain expertise and confidence using CAD skills using Google Sketchup. Easy to follow, step by step instructions allow the user to produce an attractive, completed design for a mechanical robot toy using a wide range of basic tools and functions within Google Sketchup.

Revision/comprehension exercise concentrating on the materials, processes and manufacturing methods used in a typical production car.

Ideas for making an axle for a mechanical toy.Techniques for fixing wheels and incorporating a cam or crankshaft.

What does a product designer do? How does craft production compare to product/industrial design? Investigate and study the factors for sucessful product design and analysis.

Information slides describing the physical and mechanical properties of materials together with a description of shaping and forming processes. Comprehension exercises/questions to consolidate learning

An introduction to product design. Explores Britain's creative and digital industries. Defining the role of product designers and examples of the UK&'S world renowned designers past and present.Thirty minute analysis of a range of products using given headings. This resource contains the teachers slides, a student work, and a lesson plan.

Analysis of 'designer vinyl' toys and characters. Students use examples of cartoon drawing techniques to design their own character to promote a product or service. Needs padding outand refining but could b fun.

Assessment pages for units 2 and 4 (Project work). Assessment criteria shown in grid with opportunity for student selfassessment and teacher feedback. The pages are specific are/have been used for unit two and unit four of the AQA Design Technology, Product Design, (3D Design). You can tweak them to suit as required? Saves us all 'reinventing the wheel' all day? Enjoy!

A resource I designed and made for year nine or ten product design. Students study the basics of motion, mechanisms and force to produce a crank driven garden decoration. It isn’t a heavily prescriptive resource but offers opportunity for interpretation, differentiation and varying degrees of sophistication in terms of outcome. It contains lots of mini focused practical tasks to produce the key components for a complete, functioning garden whirligig. It contains a wealth of information to help analyze existing products, conceptualize and develop a working solution. I’ve also attached a complete production plan for the whirligig shown in the video.

An ideal extension or group production exercise for later years. Build this adorable trike riding chimp using the easy to follow, detailed plans. He pedals furiously as you push him along with a push stick located in the back of the tricycle frame. His head and torso rises and falls on the saddle with effort as he rides along. He’s made of oak with an oiled finish for protection, any number of other timbers could be suitable, especially beech. The handlebars, shoulder pivot, and leg spacers are made from easily sourced and shaped metal components. An ideal accompaniment for a manufacturing and mechanisms exploration assignment.

A fantastic resource for an enrichment activity or craft club. Build this adorable, laminated, carved and polished birch plywood duck toy. A perennial push along favourite. Follow the easy to understand tutorial to complete your own push pull duck toy. The head rises and falls as you push him along causing the beak to snap open and shut making a lovely click. Two concealed cam wheels also cause the wings to raise and lower alternately. He’s carved and shaped from layers of stained and sealed birch plywood for durability. The tutorial contains all the information, templates and drawings needed to produce your own clattering duck that will be treasured for years.

A rich visual investigation into traditional timber construction methods along with their typical applications in the world of design and manufacturing. Each family of joining methods are described in photographs and diagrams together with the reasons for use.

An investigation with comprehension exercises to support the teaching of timbers and manufactured boards along with their typical applications in the world of design and manufacturing. Timbers and boards are described along with their physical and mechanical characteristics and reasons for use.

An investigation with comprehension exercises to support the teaching of modern and smart materials along with their typical applications in the real world.