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v2.0
Overview: In this lesson, students will explore how basic articulating components can be used to create movement. Then, students will create a custom design that moves.
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Learning Objectives & NGSS Alignment: Locate articulating components in the Kid Spark Lab. Explore how articulating components can be used to create movement. Use articulating components to create a simple design that moves. Scientific/Engineering Practice - Asking questions & defining problems Crosscutting Concept - Structure and function
Convergent Learning Activity: 1. Locating Articulating Components Articulating components are used to create movement in a design.
Instructions: Locate and observe each of the following articulating components in the Kid Spark STEM Lab. As a team, discuss how you think each component can be used to create movement.
Note: This lesson will primarily focus on the three basic articulating components highlighted above. Other articulating components will be further explored in future Kid Spark lessons.
Axle Block
Hinge Block
Pulley Block
Snap-In Wheel
Gear Tooth
Bearing Module
Additional Lesson Materials: - Teacher Lesson Plan - Student Engineering Workbook
Kid Spark Mobile STEM Lab: Young Engineers OR Engineering Pathways
Note: Two teams can share the engineering materials from one Kid Spark Mobile STEM Lab.
2. Exploring Basic Articulating Components The most basic articulating components in the Kid Spark Lab are the snap-in wheel, the axle block, and the hinge block.
Instructions: Observe how each articulating component is used to create movement by assembling the following designs.
Example 1 - Snap-In Wheel Snap-in wheels are used to create rotational movement. In the example to the right, four wheels are used to create a car that moves.
Example 2 - Axle Block Axle blocks are also used to create rotational movement. In the example to the right, the half beam (on top) can freely rotate 360°.
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Example 3 - Hinge Block Hinge blocks are used to create rotational movement, but are limited by their range of motion (180°). In the example to the right, the small beam can rotate or “pivot” 180°.
Step 1: Rotate the free moving part of the
hinge completely to one side.
Step 2: Angle one tab into the opening and
snap into place.
Step 3: Rotate the free end of the hinge assembly as
shown.
Note: The hinge block is one of the more difficult engineering materials to use. Follow the steps below to easily connect the hinge block to other components.
Step 4: Angle one tab of the hinge into the opening
and snap into place.
3. Exploring Other Articulating Components The following articulating components can also be used to add movement to a design.
Instructions: Review each example shown below. Note: it is not necessary to complete the builds shown at this time. These articulating components will be further explored in future Kid Spark lessons.
Pulley Block Pulleys can be used to change the direction of motion or to reduce the amount of effort needed to raise/move a load.
Gear Teeth Gear teeth can be snapped into curved beams to make small and large gears. Gears can be used to change the direction of motion, increase speed, or increase torque (twisting force that causes rotation).
Cog The cog is a small gear that is used to move beams or other engineering materials. The gear teeth of the cog fit into the openings of engineering materials and provide a push/pull type of movement.
Pro tip: the string block can be used to easily
attach string to a design. Simply tie a knot
on one end of a string and secure it in the
string block as shown.
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Spool The spool is a small wheel that can be used for winding or unwinding string in a design. Simply tie a knot in one end of a string, place the knot in the engineered slot, then wind the string around the spool.
Bearing Module The bearing module is designed to allow rotating motion to be transferred through a beam or structure. Components such as the cog or spool are commonly used with the bearing module to created different types of movement in a design.
Lead Screw A lead screw mechanism can be assembled and used to convert rotating motion into linear motion (motion in a straight line). As the shaft of the lead screw rotates, the nut will travel up and down the shaft.
Shaft
Nut
Slot
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Divergent Learning Activity: 1. Free build Instructions: Spend 10 minutes creating a simple design that moves. Use only basic building components and basic articulating components (snap-in wheel, axle block, hinge) for the design. Be prepared to share your design with the class. See examples below.
Example 1 - A car that moves
Example 2 - A door that opens and closes
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Bill of Materials
Download the Kid Spark curriculum and view the professional learning modules at KidSparkEducation.org/CurriculumIMPORTANT:
35059 Building the next generation of STEM leaders
Tool
3x
YOUNG ENGINEERS
2. Project Cleanup Instructions: Disassemble the free build project. Locate the proper laminated Inventory & Organization Guide in the Kid Spark STEM Lab (pictured below). Correctly organize engineering materials back in the lab.
Unpack, Organize & Store Use the following guide to correctly organize the Young Engineers Mobile STEM Lab.
TOP LID
DRAWER A DRAWER B
©2019 Kid Spark Education. All rights reserved. Kid Spark Education® & Rokenbok are registered trademarks of Kid Spark Education.
All Kid Spark products are designed for high quality, precision and safety. All Kid Spark machines are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of six months from the date of original purchase when used under normal operating conditions. For full warranty information visit KidSparkEducation.org
Product color may vary from images shown.
For indoor use only. Made in China.
Kid Spark Education
233 A Street, Suite 800 San Diego, CA (USA) 92101 Phone (858) 259-4433 1.888.476.5265
Email: contact@kidsparkeducation.org 50-01284-001
Bill of Materials
2x
Download the Kid Spark curriculum and view the professional learning modules at KidSparkEducation.org/CurriculumIMPORTANT:
35051
Motor Cable Extender
Snap-In Wheel
8x
©2019 Kid Spark Education. All rights reserved. Kid Spark Education® & Rokenbok are registered trademarks of Kid Spark Education.
All Kid Spark products are designed for high quality, precision and safety. All Kid Spark machines are warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of six months from the date of original purchase when used under normal operating conditions. For full warranty information visit KidSparkEducation.org
Product color may vary from images shown. For indoor use only. Made in China.
Kid Spark Education
233 A Street, Suite 800 San Diego, CA (USA) 92101 Phone (858) 259-4433 1.888.476.5265
Email: contact@kidsparkeducation.org 50-01330-003
Unpack, Organize & Store Use the following guide to correctly organize the Engineering Pathways Mobile STEM Lab.
TOP CASE
2x
1x
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Building Basics The following tips will be helpful when using Kid Spark engineering materials.
Connecting/Separating ROK Blocks:
ROK Blocks use a friction-fit, pyramid and opening system to connect. Simply press pyramids into openings to connect. To separate blocks, pull apart.
Connecting/Disconnect Smaller Engineering Materials:
Smaller engineering materials use a tab and opening system to connect. Angle one tab into the opening, and then snap into place. To disconnect, insert key into the engineered slot and twist.
Snapping Across Openings:
Materials can be snapped directly into openings or across openings to provide structural support to a design. This will also allow certain designs to function correctly.
Attaching String:
In some instances, string may be needed in a design. Lay string across the opening and snap any component with tabs or pyramids into that opening. Be sure that the tabs are perpendicular to the string to create a tight fit.
2cm 18cm
9 Openings
Measuring:
The outside dimensions of a basic connector block are 2 cm on each edge. This means the length, depth, and height are each 2 cm. To determine the size of a project or build in centimeters, simply count the number of openings and multiply by two. Repeat this process for length, depth, and height.
2cm
2cm