Technology: systems and structures
Input, process and output, mechanisms like levers and gears, and strong structures. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
Systems
The part that does the work is the process. A fan’s output is moving air. Feedback: a fridge’s thermostat measures the temperature (output) and switches the motor on or off (input).
Mechanisms
| Mechanism | What it does |
|---|---|
| Lever | Lifts a load with less force |
| Pulley system | Lifts a load with less effort |
| Gears | Change speed and force; large drives small = faster |
| Crank and slider | Rotation → straight-line movement |
| Bicycle chain and gears | Carries movement from pedals to wheel |
Structures
- The triangle gives the most strength; a truss is a framework of triangles.
- Tension stretches a material; compression squashes it.
- A long bridge span sags in the middle, so the middle is often supported.
- A crane’s heavy counterweight balances the load; a tripod’s legs spread wide for stability.
Remember this and test yourself
- A technological system has input, process and output; feedback uses the output to control the input.
- A lever lifts a load with less force; it turns about the fulcrum.
- A large gear drives a small gear: the small gear turns faster. Bicycle gears change the force needed.
- A crank and slider turns rotation into straight-line movement.
- Concrete is reinforced with steel, because concrete cracks when it is stretched.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Every system is a sandwich: input (bread), process (filling), output (the bite).
Important words
First say what the word means, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
True or false?
Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: Technology: systems and structures- Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
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Follows CAPS for Grade 6 Natural Sciences and Technology. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.