How Does It Work? Exploring Machines and Mechanisms

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.