Motion Makers: Build Your Own Automation

 Week 1: Introduction to Mechanics and Movement

• Objective: Discover the basics of mechanical motion and simple machines.
• Highlights:
  • Learn about gears, levers, pulleys, and how they make things move.
  • Explore real-world examples of simple machines in action.
  • Fun Activity: Build a basic lever to lift a small object.

Week 2: Designing Spinning and Rotating Parts

• Objective: Understand how gears and wheels create rotational movement.
• Highlights:
  • Learn how gears work together to transfer motion.
  • Experiment with building spinning mechanisms.
  • Fun Activity: Create a spinning wheel or pinwheel powered by a simple gear system.

Week 3: Building and Balancing Moving Parts

• Objective: Design and test balanced mechanical systems.
• Highlights:
  • Learn about center of gravity and how it affects movement.
  • Experiment with creating stable, balanced structures that can move.
  • Fun Activity: Build a balancing figurine or a simple see-saw.

Week 4: Combining Gears, Levers, and Imagination

• Objective: Integrate multiple simple machines into a single device.
• Highlights:
  • Explore how to combine gears, levers, and pulleys to create complex motion.
  • Solve challenges by designing mechanisms to perform specific tasks.
  • Fun Activity: Build a small machine that lifts, spins, or moves objects in sequence.

Week 5: Creating Your Moving Masterpiece

• Objective: Plan, design, and build a personalized moving machine.
• Highlights:
  • Brainstorm ideas for creative and functional mechanical devices.
  • Use the skills learned to build a unique working automaton.
  • Fun Activity: Design and construct a moving figure or gadget that performs a simple task.

Week 6: The Motion Makers Showcase

• Objective: Share and celebrate your mechanical creations with others.
• Highlights:
  • Present your moving machines in a fun and interactive showcase.
  • Explain the mechanics and creativity behind your design.
  • Celebrate your love for engineering and innovation with your award certificate!

*Note: Course outline subject to change based on grade level of students and prior knowledge of students--we believe in providing a truly differentiated learning environment!*