Levers and linkages in products

Design and technology

This unit develops pupils' knowledge of mechanisms through levers and linkages. They will apply this knowledge by exploring mechanisms and incorporating them into an interactive book with a user-centred focus.

Levers and linkages: interactive books

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Why are flaps used in books aimed at young children?

Which of these linkages creates an output in the opposite direction to the input?

What the book is designed to do (eg, entertain, educate)

 Think about interactive books and match these words to the meaning.

All interactive books are aimed at very young children.

Other simpler linkages make the same movement.

Why aren't lazy-tong linkages used in interactive books?

Which of these linkages work in the same way?

How many pivot points are there on a bell crank linkage?

What do we call the effort needed to start movement in a mechanism?

Lengthens and shortens when it is pushed or pulled.

Has levers that move at right angles to each other.

Has two pairs of levers that move in the same way.

Creates an output in the same direction as the input.

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet