This Design and technology scheme of work video is designed for children and explores how gears are used in mechanical systems. It begins with everyday questions such as how watch hands move or how wind turbines generate electricity, before introducing gears as wheels with teeth that transfer movement and force. The video shows how gears work in pairs or systems to change speed, direction or force, using real-life examples like bicycles, clocks and windscreen wipers.

Children discover how different-sized gears affect movement and how gears are used in everyday and historical contexts, from pasta machines to medieval tower clocks. The video ends with modern examples including engines, printers and washing machines, showing how gears help transmit power in useful ways.

See more of our Year 5 Design and technology scheme of work.

• Design and technology, Year 5, Mechanical systems, Option one: *New* Gears and pulleys, Lesson 1: Gears.
• Design and technology, Year 5, Mechanical systems, Option one: *New* Gears and pulleys.