Changes in the National Curriculum for England in 2014 included the introduction of levers, gears, and pulleys into primary science. Although simple mechanisms had been part of the design and technology (DT) curriculum for some time, it was the first time that the science behind the mechanisms had been included at the primary school level. These changes were an opportunity to link the two subjects together, and to reinforce students' understanding of science through different types of exploration in science and through designing, making and evaluating a product in DT. In this article, the author highlights key ideas for understanding levers and provides examples of teaching the topic in a cross-curricular approach.