Glossary

This glossary is based on the terms you will find in the National Curriculum Orders for Design & Technology or Information Technology in the Nuffield Primary D&T materials or in a range of other currently available texts / catalogues / websites.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ

batch production

batch production refers to the process of making several to many single items at the same time to give a 'batch' of those items. In school children can carry out batch production in making food products. A baking tray of jam tarts would constitute a batch

battery

a device for pushing an electric current around a circuit. Batteries come in different voltages 1.5V, 3V, 4.5V, 6V and 9V. The bigger the voltage the harder the battery 'pushes' the electricity around the circuit. If the voltage is too large the components will overheat, stop working properly and may be destroyed.

battery holder

a device for holding batteries so that they are connected together to give the voltage you need. A battery holder containing four 1.5V batteries would supply 6V. It is important to make sure that the batteries are the right way round.

battery snap

a connector made from a press stud and wire, used for connecting battery holders and pp3 batteries to light bulbs, motors etc.

belt

- a device used to connect two wheels on different shafts so that as one rotates the other rotates as well. You can use rubber bands as belts.

bench hook

a device to make it easy for pupils to saw strips of wood to length

big task

a Nuffield design and make activity

biodegradeable

able to be broken down by the action of microorganisms

bracket

a device used to form a joint between two parts usually at right angles

bradawl

a sharp tool for making small holes either through thin materials or into soft block materials; should be used under supervision

brainstorming

a way for a group of people to think of lots of ideas quickly

buzzer

an electrical component that makes a buzzing noise when connected to a battery