Title
Puzzles or Toys with Moving Parts
Description
Year 8 Modified Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Area Mechanisms
Level 3
Objectives
To encourage more accurate cutting out and finishing of work. To use simple mechanisms to produce interesting effects for toys.
Equipment Required
Whole range of workshop equipment and materials. Main material MDF.
Richard Murray
Abbey Hill School Technology College
Plan
Discuss the idea of toys and puzzles with the group, emphasise SAFETY.
What sort of toys are attractive and easily made with moving parts. Some of the best are traditional wooden ones like the pecking hens on a board or the little car whose driver pops up and down, the swimming fish etc.
Puzzles can be the simple ones which toddlers play with where the tractor, farmer, pig and cat all lift out of the picture, which has a card back and little wooden knobs to pick up the pieces or something more complicated.
Finish is very important as the toys will have to be durable and attractive.
The use of cams and cranks is anticipated and these should be demonstrated on the board and with models.
Once a student has chosen what is to be made they can go on to produce a number of sketches leading to a final design, simple dimensioned working drawing and a work plan.
Help will be available collectively or individually as required as the students work on their project.
Once the projects are finished the group will be got together and work swapped and then discussed. Puzzles usually cause some fun for the new recipient but the thing which never fails to amaze me is the way the students will pull along a little drummer or bee to watch it work.
Any changes in design should be noted in the students file.
