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In this mechanical engineering activity, learners design shadow puppets with moving parts and use them to tell stories. Learners explore simple and complex linkages while constructing various puppet prototypes.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 2 to 4 hours
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- thin cardboard pieces
- brass fasteners (1/2 or 3/4 inch)
- paint stirrers, rulers or tongue depressors
- paper and pencils
- paper punch
- rulers
- scissors
- roll of tape (masking or clear)
- directional lights (overhead projector, gooseneck lamp or clamp-on shop light with a 75- or 100-watt bulb)
- decorative elements (optional)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Motion and Forces
- Machines
-
Motion and Forces
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
- Performing Arts
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- 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
Culture, ethnicity, and gender
-
Girls
- Explicity developed for this group
- Acknowledges this group's contributions to STEM
- Highlights STEM opportunities for this group
- Identifies role models or mentors in STEM fields from this group
- Uses inclusive images of people from this group
Other
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:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2010
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0813519
- ExxonMobil