Mechanisms: Levers
Investigating different types of levers and how they work.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review final report has been released. We’re reviewing the recommendations and planning for future updates. Learn more
- Subjects >
- Design and technology >
- Key stage 1 >
- Year 2 >
- Mechanisms >
-
Mechanisms: Levers
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Identify lever mechanisms and describe their movements.
- Find pivots and levers on various mechanisms.
- Join materials together to make levers.
- Investigate what happens when the pivot changes place.
- Select appropriate materials to use to make levers work effectively.
- Understand how levers can help make tasks easier.
- Test the effectiveness of their own levers.
- Evaluate their and others’ designs and give feedback.
Suggested prior learning
Mechanisms: Matching slider game
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Seesaws
- To describe how seesaws are a simple lever.
Lesson 2: Levers in action
- To build and test a simple lever.
Lesson 3: Scissors
- To describe scissors as a mechanism with two levers.
Lesson 4: Two levers together
- To make mechanisms with two levers.
Lesson 5: Everyday levers
- To design levers for everyday use.
Key skills
Key knowledge
Related content
Resources
Unit resources
Cross-curricular opportunities
Science: Working scientifically; Everyday materials; Uses of everyday materials.
Maths: Geometry – position and direction.
Physical education: Basic movements.
British values: Mutual respect.