Rotary motion
I can describe rotary motion.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Rotary motion is where something is turned (rotated).
- Water wells get water from deep underground.
- A water well has a rotary mechanism that is used to lift a a bucket from a well by turning the handle.
- Water wheels can be used to produce electricity.
Keywords
Rotary motion - something that turns around in circles
Water wheel - a large wheel driven by flowing water
Water well - a hole used to get water from deep underground
Common misconception
Rotary motion always produces electricity.
Rotary motion can be designed to lift objects, grind objects or produce electricity.
To help you plan your year 1 design and technology lesson on: Rotary motion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 1 design and technology lesson on: Rotary motion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 design and technology lessons from the Rotary mechanisms: windmills unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Water wheel toy, tray, aprons, ruler, dowel, tables x 2 , string, ribbon, twine, wool, plastic recyclable tubs, hole punch, scissors, sticky tape, masking tape, range of small objects
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
4 Questions







Exit quiz
4 Questions


