Selecting an axle for a windmill

Design and technology

This unit introduces knowledge of simple rotary mechanisms that create movement. Pupils will investigate how windmills work, consider sail design, and produce a working model that will be tested for stability and movement.

Rotary mechanisms: windmills

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

a rod that allows wheels or sails to turn

finishing a project without checking it works

What could you put at the end of a wooden dowel or straw axle to hold the sail on?

push the axle harder until it forces its way through

leave it as it is and hope it starts turning

If the hole for the axle is too tight and the axle is not turning, how could you make the hole bigger?

words that describe what a material is like

Which of these pieces of card is the thinnest?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Selecting an axle for a windmill

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.