If you have a learner who likes building things and figuring out how things work, they will love this class. Join us as we explore, investigate, & solve problems while we learn about the building blocks of engineering -simple machines. Students working in pairs will enjoy hands-on activities using LEGO® materials such as levers, gears, wheels, axles & pulleys that incorporate math, science & creativity. Students will work through building models that demonstrate mechanical and physical engineering concepts.

They will then use what they learned to solve challenges.  Concepts covered: axles, steering, winch handles, friction, how gears can multiply speed, calculate the gear ratios, fixed pulleys, movable pulleys, belt drives, three classes of levers & more.  Possible Building projects include: conveyor belt, a steering tractor, Merry-Go-Round, fan, working crane, self-propelled car, mechanical grabber, scale & more.  Daily Challenges include: designing a boat uses pulley, a device that move targets with a gear, building a car that can easily steer through a test track, design and build race cars, contest for a paper launching catapult and more. Students will get a model balloon or rubber band racer to take home to further experiment with.

Summer 2011 Camp Schedule
Click on district for registration information.