CPD support: making and finishing pneumatic toys in DT
This teacher CPD video accompanies lessons four and five of the Kapow pneumatics unit for year three.  It provides step-by-step guidance for delivering engaging lessons on making and finishing pneumatic toys. Building on prior learning, pupils bring their designs to life by assembling working pneumatic mechanisms using balloons, syringes, or tubing—deepening their understanding of air-powered systems through hands-on application and problem solving.

Encouraging practical skills and  creative design
Teachers are supported in modelling different methods of construction, from creating airtight seals and incorporating linkages, to marking out and reinforcing housing structures using recycled materials. The videos highlight how to integrate key DT skills such as stable structure design, use of pivots, and the evaluation of mechanisms in action.

Challenge through materials and mechanisms
With added opportunities for differentiation, these lessons encourage creativity, resilience, and discussion as pupils test, refine, and decorate their toys. Extension challenges such as limited material choices and use of more complex linkages offer stretch and depth for more able learners, while maintaining accessibility for all.

• Design & Technology, Year 3, Mechanical systems: Pneumatic toys > Option 1: *New* Pneumatic toys >
  Lesson 4: Making a pneumatic toy.
• Design & Technology, Year 3, Mechanical systems: Pneumatic toys > Option 1: *New* Pneumatic toys > Lesson 5: Making a pneumatic toy