This Design and technology video supports teachers in helping pupils improve their wheel designs for pull-along toys. It focuses on developing cutting skills and refining wheel shape to make them rounder, smoother, thicker and sturdier.

The video demonstrates how to guide the pupils from cutting straight lines to curved edges, using techniques such as removing excess card and trimming with small, controlled snips. It shows how to test the impact of off-centre holes and supports pupils in identifying and correcting common issues such as wobbling wheels and poor movement.

This resource helps teachers model how to test, improve and problem-solve wheel performance, preparing the pupils for the next steps in making more stable and functional moving toys.

• Design and technology, Year 1, Mechanisms: Wheels and axles: Lesson 2: Improving wheels: Part one.
• Design and technology, Year 1, Mechanisms: Wheels and axles.