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™
LER 9308
Activate children’s natural curiosity with
STEM Explorers: Motioneering!
Build 8 machines inspired by real engineering principles, and then solve
STEM-based challenges that enhance critical thinking and problem-
solving skills. Let’s get started!
The following page details the
56 construction pieces
you’ll need to
build windmills, pendulums, and more! If you get stuck on any of the
challenges, refer to page 2 for a full breakdown. Even the best builders
need a hand now and again!
5
+
ages
años
ans
jahre
grades K+
STEM Explorers: Ingeniería en movimiento • Explorateurs STEM : Ingénierie du mouvement
STEM Explorers: Bewegende Technik
STEM Explorers
™
Discover the magic of machines in motion!
First, build the base using short posts and two
six-point connectors as feet. Then, add the support
posts, and build an arch using the e-connector and
short posts. Assemble the crank with e-connectors,
short posts, and the catapult launcher. Insert the
rotation post into the hole at the top of the arch, and
put the crank on the other end.
Define:
A crank is a rod, or
axle
, connected to a
fulcrum
to create circular motion. You may know this
machine in other forms, such as mechanical pencil
sharpeners and fishing reels.
First, build the propeller base. Then, add the
support posts and build an arch on each
side. Insert a rotation post through the
arches. Lastly, attach a six-point connector,
with the short posts functioning as the
propeller blades.
Define:
Similar to the
windmill, a propeller’s
fanlike blades turn
around an
axle
.
Real-world propellers
can be found on
airplanes and boats.
What happens when you
change the position of
the short posts at the end
of the propellor? Which
way spins with the least
amount of resistance?
Enhance!
Using the remaining pieces, can you make any changes to the build?
What could you add to increase the distance of the boulder when launched?
What could you add to make the catapult taller?
Enhance!
Using the remaining pieces, can you make any changes to the build?
Can you add another crank, without the catapult launcher?
What could you add to make the machine more stable?
Enhance!
Using the remaining pieces, can you make any changes to the build?
What could you add to make the pendulum swing faster or slower?
What could you add to make the pendulum taller?
Enhance!
Using the remaining pieces, can you make any changes to the build?
What could you add to make the windmill move slower?
What could you add to make the windmill taller?
What could you add to make the propeller run slower?
What could you add to make the propeller taller?
Enhance!
Using the remaining pieces, can you make any changes to the build?
Design a Pendulum!
Design a Windmill!
Design a Crank!
Combine the pieces and build.
Combine the pieces and build.
Combine the pieces and build.
2
3
4
Design a Catapult!
Combine the pieces and build.
1
Pieces included:
Design a Propeller!
Combine the pieces and build.
5
Define:
A windmill
depends on a simple
machine, called a
wheel
and axle
, to function.
What happens when you
use only long posts in
the six-point connector?
First, build the windmill base. Then, add the
support posts and e-connectors. Join together
three six-point connectors by inserting the
rotation post through their centers. Finish by
creating the windmill blades: connect and
insert a short and long post into each of the
openings on the middle six-point connector.
Short Post
Long Post
Six-Point
Connector (wheel)
Rotation
Post (axle)
Define:
A pendulum is
another kind of
lever
that
uses gravity to generate
momentum. Raise and
release the arm to start the
pendulum swinging.
What happens when you
increase the weight at the
bottom of the
pendulum
?
Fulcrum
Pendulum
arm
First, build the pendulum base. Then, attach small posts,
e-connectors, and six-point connectors. Add the
support posts, and then insert the rotation post through
three combined six-point connectors (
fulcrum
). Attach
the end of the pendulum (three-point connector) to the
arm so that it hangs freely below the fulcrum.
x 8
x 1
x 4
x 6
x 1
x 2
x 1
First, build the catapult base. Then, add
support posts and insert the rotation post
through the center of the six-point
connector. Build the lever arm by snapping
the long post into the connector and
topping with the e-connector. Build the
catapult arm, load the boulder into the
payload
, and press the
lever
to launch.
Define:
A catapult is a type of simple
machine called a
lever
, which is a bar
or rod that rests on a
fulcrum
. This
support, here a six-point connector,
makes lifting objects easier.
What happens when you apply
more force to the
lever?
What happens when you
change the angle of the
arm
connection?
x 1
x 1
Six-Point Connector (5)
Catapult Launcher (1)
Boulder (1)
Short Post (20)
Long Post (12)
Rotation Post (1)
Three-Point Connector (2)
E-Connector (8)
Two-Point Connector (6)
x 6
x 10
x 2
x 4
x 1
x 1
x 1
x 1
x 9
x 12
x 6
x 8
x 6
x 4
x 2
x 4
x 5
x 3
x 2
x 1
x 1
x 1
x 4
x 6
x 5
x6
What happens when you turn the handle?
[
Note:
for best results, hold the base of the structure in place with
one hand and turn with the other hand.]
What happens when you move the rotation post to another
connector?
Catapult
Launcher
E-Connector
Six-Point Connector
Two-Point Connector
Rotation Post (axle)
Lever
Fulcrum
Payload
Arm
