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New
New
Year 6

Test and adapt cam mechanisms

I can test and adapt mechanisms.

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New
New
Year 6

Test and adapt cam mechanisms

I can test and adapt mechanisms.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Testing mechanisms repeatedly ensures the function of the product.
  2. Finishing the automaton figures or models ensures the product looks effective.

Keywords

  • Effective - works well, performs as expected

  • Function - work in a particular way

  • Aesthetics - visual qualities, how something looks

  • Usable - able to be used

  • Durable - hard-wearing, long-lasting

Common misconception

Finished products cannot be changed.

Adaptations can be made to individual components in a product to improve effectiveness.


To help you plan your year 6 design and technology lesson on: Test and adapt cam mechanisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Pupils should only make reasonable changes to their automaton products. Products which do not function correctly despite reasonable adaptations could be used as examples for discussion alongside functioning products.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

Please see additional materials document for a list of resources needed in this lesson.

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which material is a thicker, sturdier version of paper?
Correct Answer: cardboard, card
Q2.
Which of these materials is the strongest and most durable?
polystyrene
Correct answer: steel
paper
tissue
Q3.
What type of mechanism makes an automaton toy work?
Correct Answer: cam mechanism, cam, cams
Q4.
Which of these tools would be most suitable to cut cardboard?
paintbrush
hacksaw
Correct answer: scissors
metal ruler
screwdriver
Q5.
Which of these is an example of a product?
Correct answer: a toy
a cross-section drawing of a toy
a list of materials
a child
Q6.
Which of these is an example of a finishing technique?
designing
testing
Correct answer: painting
measuring

6 Questions

Q1.
What are the downsides of using PVA glue as a joining material?
it is highly visible
Correct answer: it takes time to dry
it's a quick method
it is accurate
Correct answer: products can't be used straight away
Q2.
What does the word 'aesthetic' mean?
Correct answer: how a product looks
how easy a product is to use
performing as expected
how a product works
Q3.
What does 'aesthetics' mean?
how expensive a product is
Correct answer: how good a product looks
how well a product functions
Q4.
What is the main purpose of testing a product?
to make it look better
Correct answer: to find out if the product works as it should
to make it larger
to make the product cheaper
Q5.
When testing products, what do these words mean?
Correct Answer:Durability ,how long it will last
tick

how long it will last

Correct Answer:Usability,how easy it is to use
tick

how easy it is to use

Correct Answer:Functionality,how well it works
tick

how well it works

Q6.
Which of these is NOT a reason to test a product?
ensure it's safe
check it works
check it's easy to use
Correct answer: for entertainment
improve quality

Additional material

Download additional material