How Does It Work? Exploring Machines and Mechanisms
Develop your engineering vision by taking a look inside some interesting toys
Ian Nelson
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(2,517)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursHomework
The class has a student guide for further exploration after class.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Every machine you can think of depends on mechanisms. Remote control cars wouldn't be any fun if you couldn't make them steer. Vending machines would be pointless if you couldn't reliably get your snacks. In this one-time workshop, students will discover how to probe the innermost parts of a machine to answer the question "How does it work?" We will work primarily in a "minds-on" way discussing the strengths and limitations of different explorations into how machines work. As the instructor, I will share videos of machine animation and object dissection that help us explore mechanisms found in electrical and mechanical systems. After discovering mechanisms in a pull-back car and a remote-controlled car, students will try their hand at imagining how different machines use mechanisms to produce reliable performance. To get the most out of this workshop, students will want to bring paper and pencil. Some students may benefit from bringing a mechanical toy to anchor their brainstorming but any disassembly should happen after class.
Learning Goals
In this one-hour workshop, students will explore:
- How engineers define machines
- Common mechanisms found in electromechanical systems
- How knowing common mechanisms can help engineers generate design ideas for new systems
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Some learners will want to bring a mechanical toy with them to class to help anchor their thinking. It would be better for your learner to do any and all disassembly of that toy after the workshop.
Supply List
Paper and pencil OPTIONAL: Mechanical toy
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2017
4.7
2517reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a mechanical engineer and engineering educator with a lot of experiencing helping students probe the engineering found in everyday things.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 78 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
1-8 learners per class
