Mechanical systems: Mechanical cars
Exploring mechanical systems by building and testing prototype cars to identify effective design features.
New statutory RSHE guidance is here. We’re creating our brand new RSE & PSHE scheme ready for September 2026. Learn more
- Subjects >
- Design and technology >
- Key stage 2 >
- Year 4 >
-
Mechanical systems: Mechanical cars
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Describe key design improvements in the history of the automobile.
- Measure and compare the distance travelled by different mechanical cars.
- Choose and use appropriate tools and materials to make mechanical cars.
- Draw exploded diagrams and annotated sketches of my different mechanical cars.
- Use a problem statement to identify the design criteria.
- Assess the product against the design criteria.
- Conduct market research into existing products.
- Provide specific feedback and adjust my design to incorporate customer feedback.
Suggested prior learning
Mechanical systems: Pneumatic toys
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Prototype one: Inclined plane
Lesson 2: Prototype two: Slingshot car
Lesson 3: Prototype three: Wind-up car
Lesson 4: Mechanical toy car kit: Designing
Lesson 5: Mechanical toy car kit: Making and evaluating
Equipment list
Equipment needed across all lessons in this unit.
This list does not include equipment which is usually readily available in the classroom (e.g pencils, A4 paper etc)
Full equipment list for the subject
Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected
- A selection of Lolly sticks
- Plastic wheels with central holes ×8
- Wooden wheels with central holes ×8
- Wooden dowel ×8
- Plastic tubing ×8
- A selection of Wooden pegs
- A selection of Plastic pegs
- A selection of Plastic straws
- A selection of Paper straws
- A selection of Rubber bands
- Sandwich bags
- Scissors right- and left-handed options recommended. ×30
- A selection of Sticky tack
- Masking tape ×1
- Hot glue gun Adult supervision required - hot surface. ×1
- Hot glue sticks As needed
- Glue sticks ×30
- Sticky notes
-
Tape measures
×15 - Pencils ×30
- Highlighters ×30
- Permanent markers ×30
- Devices with internet access ×15
- Devices to take photos ×8
Equipment list
Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected
- A selection of Lolly sticks
- Plastic wheels with central holes ×8
- Wooden wheels with central holes ×8
- Wooden dowel ×8
- Plastic tubing ×8
- A selection of Wooden pegs
- A selection of Plastic pegs
- A selection of Plastic straws
- A selection of Paper straws
- A selection of Rubber bands
- Sandwich bags
- Scissors right- and left-handed options recommended. ×30
- A selection of Sticky tack
- Masking tape ×1
- Hot glue gun Adult supervision required - hot surface. ×1
- Hot glue sticks As needed
- Glue sticks ×30
- Sticky notes
-
Tape measures
×15 - Pencils ×30
- Highlighters ×30
- Permanent markers ×30
- Devices with internet access ×15
- Devices to take photos ×8
Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser: D&T – Y4 Mechanical cars
Aimed at pupils, a single page which gives key facts and definitions from the unit 'Option 1: *New* Mechanical cars.'.
Vocabulary display: Mechanical cars
A display version of the key vocabulary from the Mechanical cars unit.
Cross-curricular opportunities
Science: Forces and magnets; Uses of everyday materials.
Mathematics: Measurement; Number – fractions.
British values: Mutual respect; Democracy.
Build on the learning
Mechanical systems: Gears and pulleys
Get startedPopular content
- Design and technology: Curriculum portal
- Design and technology: Curriculum information
- Y3 > Structures: Constucting a Castle > Lesson 3: Nets and Structures
- Y3 > Mechanical Systems: Pneumatic Toys > Lesson 1: Exploring Pneumatics
- Y4 > Textiles: Fastenings > Lesson 2: Designing my Book Sleeve
- Y4 > Electrical Systems: Torches > Lesson 3: Torch Design
This resource is being accessed through your school’s Kapow licence.
Thank you for respecting the work of the teachers who create these materials.