This Design and technology video supports teachers in delivering a practical and engaging lesson introducing pupils to the basic principles of pneumatics and hydraulics. Through simple demonstrations using balloons, syringes and plastic tubing, pupils observe how trapped air and water can exert force, helping them understand the powerful effects of compression and movement in fluids. Real-life examples such as windmills, bus brakes, and construction machinery provide context for the systems they are experimenting with.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Design and technology scheme of work – making. It guides teachers through step-by-step experiments, offering tips for effective demonstration and explanation. The lesson builds children’s understanding through prediction, observation and discussion, preparing them for the creative task of designing their own pneumatic systems later in the unit. With clear modelling and relatable examples, this video gives teachers the confidence to explore engineering concepts in a hands-on, accessible way.

Design and technology, Lower key stage 2, Year 3, Mechanical systems: Pneumatic toys, Pneumatic toys, Lesson 1: Exploring pneumatics