Action Figure

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In this project, students explore how levers work, by making a puppet with moving limbs. After showing students how to make the arms, students are challenged to construct the rest of the puppet on their own. This activity engages learners in a way that is educational, fun, and encourages creativity.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 rectangle of thin cardboard (5in x 8in)
  • 2 3in x 5in index cards cut in half lengthwise
  • hole punch
  • 4 brass fasteners
  • string
  • scissors
  • construction paper
  • tape or glue
  • markers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Model Building
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • WGBH

Source Collection

  • Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman

Rights:

  • , WGBH Educational Foundation, 2010

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0840307
  • Public television viewers
  • Chuck E. Cheese's