New
New
Year 6
Assemble cam mechanisms
I can integrate a cam mechanism into an automaton.
New
New
Year 6
Assemble cam mechanisms
I can integrate a cam mechanism into an automaton.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Axles at 90 degree angles will allow more accurate connection to the cams.
- More than one cam can be added to the same axle.
- Designs may require loose fit or tight fit joints.
- Drilling techniques need to be conducted safely.
Keywords
Assemble - bring separate parts together
Components - separate parts of a larger whole
Drill bit - cutting tool used to make holes
Chuck - a device for holding a tool in place
Common misconception
Drilled and pierced holes can be any size.
Cam discs need to be tightly fitted to the axle so that they rotate with it. Holes for the axle and followers need to be loose to allow free movement.
Small off-cuts of wood could also be used in place of the wooden disc in the drilling task. This lesson instructs the making of three cams/followers. This could be adapted and reduced to one or two cams/followers to reduce difficulty or making time.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Please see additional resources document for a list of equipment and resources needed for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
What is a hacksaw used for?
measuring
strengthening
holding
Q2.
Which of these is true about softwood?
it grows slowly
it has a tight grain
it is more expensive
Q3.
Which type of cam causes the follower to make a sudden drop?
ellipse
pear
eccentric
Q4.
Why would a triangle be added to a corner joint?
to decorate it
to measure it
to join it
Q5.
Which of these is not a safe way to use a hacksaw?
Keep fingers away from the blade.
Point the blade down to the floor when walking.
Use a bench hook to support wood.
Hold the saw by the handle.
Q6.
Match the parts of an automaton cam mechanism to their function.
affects the movement of the follower
supports the follower
rotates the cam discs
moves an animated element
turns the axle
Exit quiz
Download exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
What is a component?
a mechanism
an automaton
a frame
Q2.
What type of movement does a snail cam make?
up and down
jagged
small pause
Q3.
Which part of a drill holds the drill bit?
handle
crank
body
Q4.
The followers on a cam mechanism sit __________ the cam discs.
below
beside
underneath
Q5.
Which word means to 'bring together individual parts'?
disassemble
resemble
component
Q6.
Why do axles at a 90-degree angle to the followers produce a more effective movement?
stronger joints
more space to move
easier to see the movement
Additional material
Download additional material