This Design and technology video introduces the children to sensors and explains how they help products work automatically. The children discover that sensors are similar to human senses because they can detect things such as light, movement and temperature before sending information to a computer.

The video shows how sensors can be used to start programs and control the way products behave. By exploring a range of everyday examples, the children learn how sensors are used to switch devices on and off, adjust room temperatures, make weather forecasts and support medical care, helping them understand how digital technology can solve problems and make everyday life easier.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Design and technology videos, which enable teachers and pupils to explore and make their own products.

See more of our Year 3 Design and technology scheme of work.

• Design and technology, Year 3, Digital world: Wearable technology, Lesson 4: Programming the light sensor.
• Design and technology, Year 3, Digital world: Wearable technology.