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Mechanisms: Wheels and axles
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ARCHIVED Year 1: Mechanisms: Wheels and axles

Learning about the key parts of a wheeled vehicle, the children develop an understanding of how wheels, axles and axle holders work while designing and making a moving vehicle.

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  2. Design and technology > Key stage 1 > ARCHIVED Year 1: Mechanisms: Wheels and axles
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This unit has been replaced and will no longer be updated. Kapow no longer updates these lessons, and they may not reflect the national curriculum or current guidance. They remain a permanent part of your subscription and will continue to be available for reference and use. We recommend that you explore the new versions of the lessons.

Unit outcomes

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

  • Explain that wheels move because they are attached to an axle.
  • Recognise that wheels and axles are used in everyday life, not just in cars.
  • Identify and explain vehicle design flaws using the correct vocabulary.
  • Design a vehicle that includes functioning wheels, axles and axle holders.
  • Make a moving vehicle with working wheels and axles.
  • Explain what must be changed if there are any operational issues.

Suggested prior learning

Lesson plans

Lesson 1: How do wheels move?

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Lesson 2: Fixing broken wheels

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Lesson 3: Designing a vehicle

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Lesson 4: Wacky races

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Key skills

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Key knowledge

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Key vocabulary

axle

axle holder

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Related content

    Resources

Unit resources

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Design and technology

Knowledge organiser – D&T Y1: Mechanisms: Wheels and axles

Aimed at pupils, a single page which gives key facts and definitions from the unit 'Wheels and axles'.

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Design and technology

Vocabulary display – D&T Y1: Mechanisms: Wheels and axles

A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Wheels and axles'.

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Cross-curricular opportunities

Mathematics

‘Pupils should be taught to:

  • measure and begin to record […] lengths and heights’

See National curriculum - Mathematics key stages 1 to 2.

 

Pupils use their knowledge of mathematics by measuring components accurately to design and build a working vehicle with wheels and axles.

 

British values: Mutual respect.

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