Selecting an axle for a windmill
I can make, test and choose an axle for my windmill.
Selecting an axle for a windmill
I can make, test and choose an axle for my windmill.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Pre-cut wooden dowel makes an effective axle.
- The dowel axle will need to spin freely and not be fixed.
- Attaching sails to the axle may need different joining techniques.
Keywords
Axle - a rod that holds the sail in place and allows it to turn
Model - making an example of something to test or to learn new skills
Test - trying something to see if it works and to make changes or improvements to it
Rotary motion - something that turns around in circles
Common misconception
An axle needs to be fixed.
An axle needs to be free moving, able to turn. The sails turn on the axle.
To help you plan your year 1 design and technology lesson on: Selecting an axle for a windmill, 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: Selecting an axle for a windmill, 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
Cut out sail, scissors, pencil, sticky tack, thick straw, pre-cut wooden dowel, split pins, worksheet.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
4 Questions
soft
smooth
dull