This term in Year 6, our Design Technology project has been ‘Automata Toys’. (An automata toy is a mechanical toy, created to mimic movement in a character or object, with a system of cams, axles and followers.) This was a brand new topic and we practised many DT skills over a few weeks.
First, we had to design our automata toys with a partner, in response to a design brief: To design a moving shop window display to entice shoppers into shop. (Since the internet has become increasingly more popular and easier to access, gift, toy and clothes shops are struggling to keep their stores open on the high-streets. and businesses need to work harder to encourage customers to visit their stores.) Teams had to agree a theme, type of shop, time of year and other key factors about their future automata design.
Next, we worked together in pairs to prepare all of the components that we would need. We had to use our Maths skills to ensure accurate measuring and learned important health and safety rules when we were cutting the wood using hacksaws.
Once the wood was cut, it was time to investigate different cam profiles and we learned that the cams cause the follower to rise, fall or remain static at different points depending on its shape. We chose three cam shapes and threaded them on the axle. We drew our characters and glue them onto the followers.
Finally, it was assemble the frame, axle, follower bases and followers using hot glue guns. We really enjoyed this DT unit and we learned so much. We also need to use all our learning powers, especially reciprocity with our partners and resilience as we kept on responding to challenges. Well done, Year 6.
I loved making the automata toy as it was really hard but fun. I cant wait for the next DT project.
I really enjoyed learning about DT and doing all of our carving measuring and designing to make our automata. Mrs Healy made it so much fun for us and helped us glue it together!!