This Design and technology scheme of work video supports teachers in delivering a Year 1 lesson on developing moving wheel and axle mechanisms. It provides step-by-step guidance for helping the children adapt fixed axle designs into moving ones, building key skills for later toy-making activities. The video demonstrates how to model improvement techniques such as thickening and smoothing wheels, using sticky tack for secure attachment and adding straws as axle holders. It encourages the children to test, refine and problem-solve as they explore structure and stability in more depth.

This video helps teachers build confidence in teaching mechanical systems while preparing the children to move from functional bases to imaginative pull-along toy designs.

See more of our KS1 Design and technology scheme of work.

• Design and technology, KS1, Mechanisms: Wheels and axles, *New* Wheels and axles: Lesson 3: Improving wheels: Part two.
• Design and technology, KS1, Mechanisms: Wheels and axles.