Exploring electrical and mechanical systems: the need for control in design and technology

In this lesson, we will continue to explore inputs, processes and outputs by integrating an electrical system with a mechanical system. We will build a mechanical system and integrate an electrical system and evaluate this product. We will also explore some other inputs and outputs and explore which ones we could use. Such as, different switch types as inputs and bulbs, buzzers, etc., as outputs. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

Exploring electrical and mechanical systems: the need for control in design and technology

In this lesson, we will continue to explore inputs, processes and outputs by integrating an electrical system with a mechanical system. We will build a mechanical system and integrate an electrical system and evaluate this product. We will also explore some other inputs and outputs and explore which ones we could use. Such as, different switch types as inputs and bulbs, buzzers, etc., as outputs. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. the correct technical vocabulary for the projects they are undertaking
  2. accurately assemble, join and combine materials and components
  3. use techniques that involve a number of steps
  4. use a wider range of materials and components than Key Stage 1, including electrical components

Equipment

Computer / iPad with internet access, construction materials i.e. card, scissors, tape, paper.

Content guidance

  • Equipment requiring safe usage.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended.

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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3 Questions

Q1.
What is control technology?
Control technology is a component used in electrical products.
Control technology is an innovative way to present a product.
Correct answer: Control technology is the use of microprocessors that are used to programme and control how an electrical system will work.
Q2.
When we build an electrical system we use components, can you identify the group of electrical component parts?
Button, zip and lace.
Correct answer: Motor, lamp, battery pack.
Wheel, axle and pulley.
Q3.
What is meant by the term electrical conductor?
An object or material that is an electrical conductor is one that creates electricity and power that object or material.
Correct answer: Materials or objects that are electrical conductors allow for the flow of an electrical current in all directions.
Materials or objects that are electrical conductors stop the flow of an electrical current.

5 Questions

Q1.
What part of a mechanical system is an output?
Component/action in order to get the mechanism moving
Correct answer: The component/action that will be activated after the process.
Transfer of force from input to output, action taking place between the input and output to make the output work.
Q2.
What electrical component needs to be added to a mechanical system to make it move?
Battery pack
Lamp
Correct answer: Motor
Q3.
What key mechanism did we explore when making our mechanical system?
Gear
Correct answer: Pulley
Wheel and axel
Q4.
What is an input on an electrical system?
Correct answer: Component/action in order to get the circuit working.
The component/action that will be activated after process.
Transfer of power from input to output, action taking place between the input and output to make output work.
Q5.
What part of the mechanical system did we connect the electrical circuit to?
Correct answer: Input
Output
Process

Lesson appears in

UnitDesign and technology / Reactions (Control in D&T)

Design and technology