Learning objective
- To build and test a simple lever.
Success criteria
- I can find levers and pivots in moving
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National curriculum
Design and technology
Design
Pupils
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Cross-curricular links
Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Explain that the children will talk with a partner about the statement on the slide and give a reason for their answer. Display the Presentation: Explain the answer and read the statement aloud. Arrange the children in pairs and allow time for paired discussion.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing support
- Could have the strips of card (levers) cut to the exact length for them.
- Could have the holes for the split pins pre-made on the levers and the A4 sheet, so they can focus on joining and positioning the mechanism safely.
- Could watch Pupil video: D&T skills – Cutting with scissors to help with cutting skills.
Pupils working at greater depth
- Should choose and cut their own lever lengths independently.
- Should add more than one moving image, considering where to place each pivot so that the images move in different directions without overlapping.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with a secure understanding indicated by: identifying levers and pivots in moving
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Vocabulary definitions
-
curved
Something that bends and is not straight.
-
direction
The way something moves or points.
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In this unit
Lesson 1: Seesaws
Lesson 2: Levers in action
Lesson 3: Scissors
Lesson 4: Two levers together
Lesson 5: Everyday levers
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 14th January, 2026
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