Parallel and push-pull linkages
I can make parallel and push-pull linkages.
Parallel and push-pull linkages
I can make parallel and push-pull linkages.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A parallel linkage contains fixed pivots and allow movement back and forth and side to side.
- A push-pull linkage allows the input and output levers to move in the same direction.
Keywords
Parallel linkage - a linkage that creates movement in the same direction using two pairs of levers
Input - something that goes into a system
Output - something that comes out of a system
Push-pull linkage - a linkage that uses short levers to push and pull three other levers in the same direction
Common misconception
Push-pull and parallel linkages are made of more than one lever.
Levers can be joined together to form a linkage. A parallel and push-pull linkage is made up of multiple levers.
To help you plan your year 4 design and technology lesson on: Parallel and push-pull linkages, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 design and technology lesson on: Parallel and push-pull linkages, 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 2 design and technology lessons from the Levers and linkages: interactive books unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Please see the additional materials for the equipment and resources
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions

starts the mechanism
the outcome of the mechanism
a set of moving parts that make something happen
a mechanism connecting levers together
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a free moving point that joins two levers together
a point that joins a lever to one place
the motion used to start a mechanism
the motion caused by the input
