How gears can help us
I can describe how gears can make difficult work easier.
How gears can help us
I can describe how gears can make difficult work easier.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gears are simple mechanisms or machines which are useful for turning things.
- Gears are wheels with teeth that slot together and turn on an axle.
- Gears can change the direction of a force. When one gear is turned, the other gear turns in the opposite direction.
- Gears of different sizes working together can be used to change the size of a force and reduce the effort required.
- A smaller gear will turn rapidly with less force, whereas a larger gear will turn more slowly with a greater force.
Common misconception
Gears only exist in bicycles and cars.
Explicit teaching of what gears are and where they are found.
Keywords
Gear - A gear is a simple machine which is useful for turning things.
Cogs - A cog is a toothed wheel, often used in gear systems.
Axle - An axle is a rod that goes through the centre of the wheel to help it move and stay in place.
Clockwise - To turn clockwise means to turn in the same direction as the hands of a clock move round.
Force - A force is a push or a pull. Forces can make objects move, slow down, change direction or change shape.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
a rigid bar resting on a turning point called a pivot
a grooved wheel with a rope threaded through it
Exit quiz
6 Questions
gear turns more slowly with a greater force.
gear turns more rapidly with less force.