Year 8 Mechanisms Project – 9 Lesson (four rotations per year) Scheme of Work (Cams & Cranks Automata)

Bring mechanisms to life with this fully resourced 9-lesson KS3 Design & Technology project, where students design and manufacture a working wooden automata toy using cams and cranks.

This engaging, hands-on unit develops core DT skills, combining theory, designing, and practical workshop manufacture into a clear, scaffolded journey from concept to final product.

What’s Included

9 fully planned lesson PowerPoints (theory to design to manufacture to evaluation)
Printable student handouts and worksheets
Medium-term planning document
Laser-cut cam files (ready to use)
Health & Safety contract / machine licence sheet
Step-by-step teacher-led practical instructions
Retrieval practice and assessment built into every lesson

Project Overview

Students design and make a kinetic wooden automata, learning how motion is created and controlled through mechanisms.

They will explore:

Rotary, reciprocating and oscillating motion
Cam and follower systems (pear, heart, eccentric, snail cams)
Crank-slider mechanisms and motion conversion
Designing for movement and function
Manufacturing using workshop tools and processes
ÌÇÐÄVlogting, troubleshooting, and refinement
Evaluation using structured frameworks (AFUSE)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the project, students will be able to:

Understand and apply key mechanical principles
Design a product that links movement to function
Safely use workshop tools (pillar drill, scroll saw, sanding, chisels)
Manufacture a working mechanical system with accurate alignment
Identify and fix issues such as friction, misalignment, and instability
Evaluate their work using technical vocabulary

Perfect For

KS3 Design & Technology (Year 8 ideal)
Teachers delivering mechanisms / systems units
Schools with access to basic workshop tools or laser cutters
Mixed ability classes (strong scaffolding and extension opportunities)

Why This Resource Works

Fully structured – no extra planning required
High engagement – students build a moving product
Strong literacy links – retrieval practice every lesson
Clear progression – theory to design to make to evaluate
Workshop ready – includes safety systems and routines

Duration

9 lessons (approximately 1 hour each)
Flexible pacing depending on workshop access

End Product

A fully functional wooden automata toy, demonstrating controlled motion using cams or cranks – perfect for assessment and showcasing student outcomes.