This wasn’t actually meant to be a crane, I was supposed to be creating a robotic arm like on the ISS, but it worked so well, I wanted to share anyway.
Materials
K’nex
Syringes and tubing
A small tub
Pipecleaners
Bean bags
Lego
Instructions
Build a K’nex crane like in the picture above, the arm just need to be one long section. We used a hairband to attach one syringe to the crane and pipe cleaners to hang a small pot.
Attach the syringes as shown. When connecting the syringes up you need to make sure that one is fully extended as the other is compressed.
Challenge
Find a way to stabilise the crane so it doesn’t fall over when you add weight.
We found mini bean bags worked really well!
You can see the crane in action here.
Can you improve on our design?
Learning Outcomes
Key Stage 1 – Design and Technology
Key stage 1 – Science – Working Scientifically
ELFS – ELG 16 – Exploring and using Media and Materials
Last Updated on February 24, 2016 by Emma Vanstone
Did you make your robot arm?