Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Explain that wheels move because they are attached to an axle.
- Recognise that wheels and axles are used in everyday life, not just in cars.
- Identify and explain vehicle design flaws using the correct vocabulary.
- Design a vehicle that includes functioning wheels, axles and axle holders.
- Make a moving vehicle with working wheels and axles.
- Explain what must be changed if there are any operational issues.
Suggested prior learning
Mechanisms: Making a moving storybook
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Lesson plans
Lesson 1: How do wheels move?
Lesson 2: Fixing broken wheels
Lesson 3: Designing a vehicle
Lesson 4: Wacky races
Key skills
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Key knowledge
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Key vocabulary
axle
axle holder
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Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser: DT – Y1 Wheels and axles
Aimed at pupils, a single page which gives key facts and definitions from the unit.
Vocabulary display: Mechanisms: Wheels and axles
A display version of the key vocabulary from the Mechanisms: Wheels and axles unit.
Subject resources
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Cross-curricular opportunities
Mathematics
‘Pupils should be taught to:
- measure and begin to record […] lengths and heights’
See National curriculum - Mathematics key stages 1 to 2.
Pupils use their knowledge of mathematics by measuring components accurately to design and build a working vehicle with wheels and axles.
British values: Mutual respect.
Suggested next steps
*New* Mechanisms: Fairground wheel
Pupils build on their knowledge of wheels and axles, from designing moving vehicles to create a stable, rotating fairground wheel.
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