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Mechanical systems: Automata toys
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ARCHIVED Year 6: Mechanical systems: Automata toys

Developing a functional automata window display by exploring and creating cam, follower and axle mechanisms to mimic different movements, meeting the requirements of a design brief.

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  2. Design and technology > Upper key stage 2 > ARCHIVED Year 6: Mechanical systems: Automata toys
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This unit has now been replaced by the Year 6 unit Mechanical systems: Automata toys. 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:

  • Mark, saw and cut out the components and supports of their toy with a varying degree of accuracy to the intended measurements.
  • Follow health and safety rules, taking care with the equipment.
  • Attempt a partial assembly of their toys using an exploded-diagram, following a teacher’s demonstration.
  • Develop a design idea with some descriptive notes.
  • Explore different cam profiles and choose three for their follower toppers with an explanation of their choices.
  • Create neat, decorated follower toppers with some accuracy.
  • Measure and cut panels that fit with some inaccuracies to conceal the inner workings of the automata.
  • Decorate and finish the automata to meet the design criteria and brief.
  • Evaluate their finished product, making descriptive and reflective points on function and form.

Suggested prior learning

ARCHIVED Year 5: Making a pop-up book

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Lessons

Lesson 1: Automatas

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Lesson 2: Frame assembly

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Lesson 3: Experimenting with cams

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Optional lesson

Lesson 4: Finishing touches

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Key skills

  • Experimenting with a range
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Key knowledge

  • To understand that the
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Key vocabulary

accurate

assembly-diagram

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Related content

    Resources

Unit resources

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Design and technology

Archived – Knowledge organiser: DT – Y6 Automata toys

Aimed at pupils, a single-page document giving key facts and information from the unit 'Mechanical systems: Automata toys.'

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Design and technology

Vocabulary display – D&T Y6: Mechanical systems: Automata toys

A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Automata toys'.

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Cross-curricular opportunities

British values: Mutual respect.

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This is the final unit in the Kapow Primary Design and technology scheme.

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