“Crazy Contraptions”
is a thought provoking activity that engages students in the design and
construction of exciting and innovative Rube Goldburg style mechanisms. The
comprehensive Crazy Contraptions Activity Guide facilitates the conceptualization, understanding and
application of simple and complex machines. Each Crazy
Contraption requires a 12"x12" wood base with drilled holes. You can purchase
the Crazy Contraptions Base from
TeacherGeek or make the base using the template from the documents below.
Price: $ 151.10 / 10 Pack
Activity Documents
Click to download the pdf document (Acrobat
Reader 5 or newer is required):
Crazy
Contraptions Teach... The engineering design process Simple machines Components
Energy Systems and subsystems Mechanisms Methods of construction
Adaptibility Creativity and ingenuity
Crazy Contraptions
This Rube Goldberg influenced challenge uses
TeacherGeek components as well as other common items to build a
complex machine to accomplish a very simple task. There are limitless
design and innovation opportunities possible by combining the components
supplied with this activity such as pulleys, cups, gears, linkages, cams,
wood strips, screws, cars, chipboard, marbles and wire. Also, with
the incorporation of recycling bin treasures, old toy parts, or
other found items, the engineering possibilities are
endless.
Innovation Components
Innovation components allow for greater alternative and
innovative designs. They are not required, but are suggested to bring more
engineering and innovation to the activity. Only a few innovation components are
usually needed to create alternative designs, so your supply of innovation
components can be used for many crazy contraptions. Here are some
ideas:
Anything else you can think of--raid the recycling bin,
wood, metal, plastic, broken toys, etc.
What Else Do I
Need?
Crazy Contraptions Base Each Crazy
Contraption requires a 12"x12" wood base with drilled holes. You can purchase
the Crazy Contraptions Base from
TeacherGeek or make the base yourself using wood from a local lumber yard.
Directions and a template for making bases are included in the Crazy Contraptions Activity Guide.
The TeacherGeek 40 Piece
Multi-Color Pulley Set contains ten each of the following sizes: 70mm,
55.5mm, 25.5mm, 9mm . These are used to create pulley
driven transmissions such as for vehicles, wind turbines, lifts
and pumps. Splined holes hold the dowels for a secure fit. Also the
off center holes may be used to incorporate cams into the design. The
unique pulley design allows for non-slip grip and easy exchange of rubber
bands.
TeacherGeek 300mm Connector Strips are basic
structural components to build bridges, vehicle chassis, hydraulic arms, crazy
contraptions, launchers, structures or original design innovations. The splined
holes securely hold dowels or can be reamed for axle rotation. These strips are
easily cut to your desired size.
Price: $ 11.91
Perpendicular Blocks- 100 Pack
The versatile
TeacherGeek Perpendicular Block is an essential component for building most any
activity. There are three splined holes that can be used to connect dowels at 90
degrees. The holes can also be reamed to allow for dowel movement both
rotational and linear.
Price: $ 10.44
Dowels 5mm x 620mm (2ft)- 50 Pack
TeacherGeek high quality 5mm x 620mm
(2ft) birch dowels are the required size for successful completion
of our activities. They are the perfect diameter for secure
splined hole fit and free rotation when required.
Price: $ 13.98
Small Rubber Bands- 1 lb
This one pound bag of #16 rubber bands make
perfect belts for pulley driven mechanisms. They are also great for ping
pong launchers or other original design creations.
Price: $ 8.83
Galvanized Colored Wire Rolls- 4 Pack
This wire is great attaching, connecting or
securing most anything your design requires. It is flexible, colorful and easy
to cut.
Huge Cone of String- 2lbs, 8PLY
This is the perfect string to use for Crazy
Contraptions, Mousetrap Vehicles, Wind Lifts or any other original design
creations. A 2 lb cone will last a long time.
Price: $ 23.11
Multi-Cutter - Easy Engineering - New TG Model
The Easy Cutter provides a safe and simple way to
cut plastic link strips, dowels, and wood strips. It is designed to work with
small and large hands.
This single set of tools includes what you need to
complete most any TeacherGeek activity. You will receive an Easy Cutter, a
TeacherGeek Reamer, Slip-Joint Pliers and a #2 Stubby Phillips
Screwdriver.
