Module 5: Mechanical Toy

Sequence of Lessons

Theme/Aims

Key Activities

Resources

Student Outcomes

Assessment Opportunities

Key Vocabulary

1

Introduction to the mechanical toy project

Demonstrate the project by the use of exemplars.(automata).

Set design brief. Develop specification as class activity. Brainstorm for themes and ideas. Demonstrate mechanisms using mechanisms boards. Start research pages on mechanisms.

Focus on mechanisms. Department website (www.the-warren.org)

Examples of commercial automata.

Mechanisms boards.

Design booklet.

Completed design sheets and brainstorms.

Quality of design sheets.

Automata. Brainstorm. Mechanism names.

2

Ideas.

Explain design constraints. Students work on design ideas and continue research where necessary

Card modelling demonstrated and used by pupils.

PCs. Card drawing pins MDF off cuts.

Ideas drawings card. Completed models. Research sheets.

Quality of design work.

Modelling. Rotate. Reciprocate. Oscillate. Linear.

3

Final Idea and planning.

Students produce final designs accurately drawn. Process sheet produced and materials ordered or collected.

Design sheets. Range of materials – dowels, MDF blanks.

Final design and planning sheet.

Detail and accuracy of design work.

Process. Names of tools.

4

Construction

Students will work independently for several lessons producing the components and testing the mechanism.  Modifications will occur and notes added to the design sheets in appropriate places.

Workshop facilities.

The product being constructed.

Safe working. Independence of working.

Names of tools and processes.

5

Final assembly.

Students assemble and test their mechanical toys. Improve the finish and add colour and graphics.

Abrasive papers and acrylic paints. Fine liners, card.

The assembled product.

Safe working. Independence of working.

Abrasives. Acrylic.

6

Evaluation

Construction is completed. Students complete the evaluation sheet. Class assess finished products.

Test.

Workshop facilities. Evaluation sheets

The completed and tested product. Evaluation sheet.

Overall project assessment. Test.