🔧 Design & Technology: Levers and Linkages

This week in Year 5, we have been exploring mechanisms and finding out how simple mechanisms can help things move! ⚙️

The children learned that a lever is a rigid beam that can rotate around a fixed point called a fulcrum. We looked at how changing the position of the fulcrum can make it easier to move a load. 💪

We then explored linkages. A linkage is made by connecting two or more levers together. Linkages can be used to change the direction of a force or make two or more parts move at the same time.

🔄 Making things move!

We investigated different types of linkage, including:

🔹 Reverse motion linkages – where two parts move in opposite directions.

🔹 Push-pull linkages – where the output moves in the same direction as the input.

The children enjoyed identifying the levers, linkages, fixed pivots and loose pivots in different examples before designing and making their own mechanisms. ✂️📐

🛠️ Time to make!

The children then created their own moving mechanisms using card strips and split pins. They carefully followed the steps and experimented with how their mechanisms could create different types of movement.

📸 Take a look at some of our fantastic work below!

🎥 Watch our mechanisms in action!

It has been fantastic to see the children developing their understanding of how mechanisms work while being creative, practical and persistent in their learning. 🌟

Year 3 Roman Day

Year 3 had a fantastic Roman Day and were fully immersed in their learning from start to finish. We began the morning by designing our own Roman soldiers, thinking carefully about the features and equipment that would have been used by soldiers in Roman times.

Next, the children designed and made their own Roman shields. They worked hard to create detailed designs and then secured handles to the back of the shields. This activity showed great teamwork and perseverance, as the children supported one another and took pride in completing their shields.

During the day, the children also made Roman coins from clay and designed colourful mosaics inspired by Roman art and architecture. These activities allowed them to explore different aspects of Roman life and showcase their creativity.

To finish the day, we headed to the playground for a Roman battle using the shields the children had made. It was a fun and exciting way to bring our learning to life!

The children had a wonderful day, immersed themselves in their learning, and even added their own ideas and enthusiasm to make the experience even more memorable.

We would also like to say a huge thank you to all the parents and carers for the effort put into the costumes. The children looked fantastic and really helped to make the day feel authentic and special.

We have been busy bees in Eco-Club!

This term our project has focused on 'Incredible Inventions' and we have been exploring different types of torches, but also in Science we have been focusing on light and creating simple series circuits.

We had so much fun on our school trip to see the animals at the New Forest Wildlife Park!

This week, Tadpoles and Ducklings Class have been excited to welcome their new class pets!