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Orrery  (Upper Key Stage 2)

Design Brief: Design and Make an Orrery to teach younger children how the Solar System works.
Strand of Learning: Materials    Structures    Mechanisms
Overview: In this project, children apply their knowledge of mechanisms and in particular cam mechanisms, to design and make an orrery. They learn that an orrery is a mechanical model of the solar system that shows how the planets orbit the Sun. They learn how a cam mechanism can change vertical rotation into horizontal rotation and apply this knowledge when designing their model. They create a wooden framework to house the mechanical system that works the orrery. They design and make a model of the solar system that will rotate as part of the model. Children decorate the orrery model using suitable theming. They evaluate their finished product against the design brief and design specifications and consider improvements they would make to their product. As part of the evaluation process, children create a Zine all about the orrery they have designed and made.

Gallery

Images from the Lesson Presentation Slides

  • 6 x Lesson Presentation Slides

  • Decoupage decoration sheet

  • Understanding Cam Mechanisms (PDF)

 

Medium Term Planning includes:

  • 6 x lesson overviews

  • Vocabulary List

  • Learning statements linked to Curriculum

  • Support and Challenge

  • Assessment - Keeping up with the curriculum

Teaching Pack

Curriculum Scope and Sequence

Substantive & Technical Knowledge

Children will know:

  • Different types of drawing can be used to help with designing and communicating ideas about a product.

  • How labels and annotated drawings can be used to explain and communicate how a product is made and how it will work.

  • Choosing materials, tools and equipment is dependent upon the skills and techniques to be used.

  • Step-by-step action plans should be created and followed when making complex products.

  • A range of different finishing techniques and choose ones that are suitable to create a quality product.

  • To continually reflect on and evaluate their work throughout the stages of designing and making.

 

Materials and Structures

  • The different properties of materials and how they are considered when designing and making a product.

  • Different properties of some common materials and how these properties are used when designing and making structures.

  • Ways of reinforcing structures, including using triangulation techniques.

 

Mechanical Systems

  • Different mechanisms are used to change rotational movement into other forms of motion.

Practical Knowledge (skills)

Children will know how to:

  • Write step by step instructions and recipes to make a product they have designed.

  • List the materials and tools that will be needed to make a product they have designed.

Drawing Skills

  • Communicate their ideas using cross-sectional drawings and cut-away drawings.

 

  • Work responsibly using guidelines to ensure they keep themselves and others safe.

  • Write an action plan for the making process including lists of tools, equipment and materials needed.

  • Accurately assemble, join and combine materials and components to ensure a quality finish to a product.

  • Apply a range of decorative and finishing techniques following the product design.

  • Identify strengths and areas for development in their own ideas and products.

  • List ways of improving a product considering the views of others and intended users.

 

Materials and Structures

  • Measure and cut materials with precision and refine the finish with appropriate tools.

  • Make frame structures that can support mechanical systems within a product.

 

Mechanical Systems

  • Combine a structure with a mechanism to create a product with motion/movement.

  • Use a cam mechanism in a product to change the motion within the product.

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