Pneumatic toys
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Pneumatic toys
Please note
This unit has been replaced by the unit *New* Pneumatic toys. It will move to our Content archive in December 2025. It will remain permanently available but will not be updated in line with curriculum or website developments.
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Draw accurate diagrams with correct labels, arrows and explanations.
- Correctly identify definitions for key terms.
- Identify five appropriate design criteria.
- Communicate two ideas using thumbnail sketches.
- Communicate and develop one idea using an exploded diagram.
- Select appropriate equipment and materials to build a working pneumatic system.
- Assemble their pneumatic system within the housing to create the desired motion.
- Create a finished pneumatic toy that fulfills the design brief.
Suggested prior learning
Mechanisms: Making a moving monster
Get startedLesson plans
Lesson 1: Exploring pneumatics
- To understand how pneumatic systems work.
Lesson 2: Designing a pneumatic toy
- To design a toy that uses a pneumatic system.
Lesson 3: Making pneumatic toys
- To create a pneumatic system.
Lesson 4: Decorating and assembling my toy
- To test and finalise ideas against design criteria.
Key skills
Key knowledge
Related content
Unit resources

Knowledge organiser – D&T Y3: Pneumatic toys
Aimed at pupils, a single page which gives key facts and definitions from the unit 'Mechanical Systems - Option 1:…

Vocabulary display – D&T Y3: Mechanical systems: Pneumatic toys
A display version of the key vocabulary from the Pneumatic toys unit.
Cross-curricular opportunities
None relevant to this unit.
Build on the learning
Making a slingshot car
Pupils build on their understanding of designing to create a functioning car chassis using pneumatic systems for KS2.