Title
Tools with Levers
Description
Year 10 Modified Curriculum
Objectives
To allow the students to look closely at levers and some of their uses in tools. Students will be expected to redesign some of the tools in card and then transfer the result to MDF making well finished models of the tools that look real.
Equipment Required
MDF and a complete range of tools and materials. Paint and varnish.
Richard Murray
Abbey Hill School Technology College
Plan
Introduce the students to the project by showing them a number of poorer quality tools with levers. The use of the tool is pointed out to those unfamiliar with it. The shape of the levers is also mentioned as they are invariably shaped in order to fulfil their use. The students should be allowed an amount of 'hands on' time to look at the tools closely.
The students should choose a particular tool and make some sketches of it, perhaps with some modifications to suit them better. The students should continue with their designs and produce a working card model of the one chosen. The card model is very useful as modifications can be made cheaply and easily. This is particularly important with tools such as pliers, scissors and self grip wrenches as there are a number of difficulties involved in getting the shapes 'just right'. The card models also make templates.
The card model should be transferred to MDF and cut out and smoothed prior to painting, varnishing or spray painting.
Once the model is painted it may be assembled using dowel hinge pins or a nut and bolt.
This is another project suitable for group evaluation as the tools can be handled very much like the real thing, indeed some scissors have been known to cut paper. The feel of the tool is easily established and constructive comments can be easily made.
