Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Design and Technology
Lesson Topic: Mechanical systems: levers, linkages, gears, pulleys, cams, cranks
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the six basic mechanical systems (levers, linkages, gears, pulleys, cams, cranks) and their classifications.
  • Calculate the mechanical advantage for each system using the appropriate formulas.
  • Analyse how to select and combine mechanical components to meet a design requirement for force, speed, or displacement.
  • Evaluate efficiency considerations such as friction and clearance in mechanical designs.
  • Apply knowledge to solve a practical problem involving a block‑and‑tackle system.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Worksheet with diagrams and calculation tasks
  • Model kit set (lever arms, gear wheels, pulleys, cams, crank links)
  • Rulers, calculators, and worksheets for formulas
  • Handout of key formulas and summary tables
 Introduction:
Imagine lifting a heavy load with just a rope and a few wheels – the same principles power everything from bicycles to engines. Review of simple‑machine concepts from previous lessons will be quick‑checked, and today’s success criteria are to calculate mechanical advantage and choose suitable systems for a given design problem.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – short quiz on lever classes and gear ratios; teacher collects for quick feedback.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15’) – concise overview of levers, linkages, gears, pulleys, cams, and cranks with key formulas displayed.
  3. Guided practice (20’) – pairs complete worksheet calculations of MA for each system and fill a comparison table.
  4. Hands‑on activity (20’) – build a simple block‑and‑tackle and a gear train using the model kit; test predicted forces and speeds.
  5. Group discussion (10’) – groups share results, highlight efficiency losses and design tips.
  6. Exit ticket (5’) – each student writes one real‑world example where two mechanical systems are combined.
Conclusion:
We recap the definitions, formulas, and how the systems can be combined to meet design goals. The exit tickets are collected to gauge understanding, and for homework students will research a real device that uses at least two of these mechanisms and produce a labelled sketch.