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Build your own working gears
This Design and technology scheme of work video is designed for children and gives step-by-step instructions on how to make different types of paper gears using a variety of materials. The children begin by gluing templates onto card, roughly cutting out the parts and sharing them within their group. They learn to accurately cut two matching circles, make holes using a thumbtack and toothpick and explore three gear-building methods: paperclip teeth, modelling dough and corrugated card.
The video shows how to assemble gear teeth evenly, secure layers together and leave them to dry with added weight. It then guides the children in making handles using split pins, mounting the gears on a board and testing their movement using sticky tack or permanent fixings.
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.