CRANE

Thanks to a durable cable, this crane model can lift even heavy LEGO weights. A crank in its base is used to rotate the whole construction. The hoist itself is controlled with tilt sensor – depending on its position, the crane will lift or lower the cargo. While building the crane we teach children about crane types and how blocks and pulleys work.

BIPLANE

The model of a biplane is composed of two parts: the base plate which powers the biplane and the aircraft model itself. Both parts are connected via step-up gear transmission which rotates the propeller in accordance with the reading of the distance sensor attached. During the exercise we discuss aviation history milestones and pioneer constructions in the world of flying machines.

HELICOPTER

This model of the helicopter has got one motor which powers both the main and tail rotors. This is made possible by using a long shaft and a clever gear configuration, transferring drive to the machine’s tail. The machine is equipped with a tilt sensor, used to detect the position of the helicopter. The construction is a perfect opportunity to discuss how heavier-than-air, self-powered machines fly and what unique abilities do helicopters have.

PUMP

The model of a pump resembles the equipment used to extract crude oil from under the ground – the so-called “pumpjack”. It contains a piston which converts circular motion of the motor into linear motion. A distance sensor is used to control the speed of its operation. While playing with this construction, students are taught the history of fossil fuel extraction methods. Students also learn about the fossil fuels conservation and utilization. Other energy sources are also discussed, including increasingly popular clean energy sources.

MANIPULATOR

Manipulator is a robot that resembles modern machines often used in various laboratories. Its main part is a gripper that is used to move small items from one stand to another. A tilt sensor is used to operate the machine. A worm gear transmission mounted inside it makes its movement slow but very precise. This exercise can be a great opportunity to talk about different technological solutions used in advanced scientific laboratories and industry and many applications of manipulators.

FORK-LIFT

A fork-lift truck is a vehicle frequently used in storage facilities to transport heavy cargo from one place to another. In this model we use a tilt sensor to lower and rise the fork. Wheels allow it to move and carry the load just like a real fork-lift. This exercise is also a chance to discuss with the children importance of short-range transport and various forklift truck designs that make work in warehouses easier.

MINE RAILWAY

This construction consists of a wagon which is pulled up a long track and a machine unit from where it gets its motive power. The mine wagon is attached to a line which is wound on a drum. Controlling the mine train is possible via a special joystick which has got a tilt sensor. Moving the joystick to the appropriate side either raises or lowers the mine wagon. During the class we discuss mines and the natural resources we obtain from them.

WINDMILL

The windmill is composed of a tall tower topped with a nacelle (cap) on which spinning sails are mounted. The motion sensor in the cap is able to count the sail rotations. The motor is fixed to a stable base and its power is transmitted with a long shaft. This exercise is an excellent opportunity to talk about different renewable and non-renewable energy sources.

LIFT

This is a robot which resembles and shows the operation of a real lift. The motor mounted on top of the construction starts the winch which winds or unwinds the rope. Thus the lift with a passenger can move. During the construction we can talk about the development of cities and relate it to a review of modern skyscrapers.

BATHYSCAPHE

This construction presents a model of a bathyscaphe, which is a free-diving, self-propelled deep-sea submersible, used for an underwater exploration. The model’s propeller rotation speed depends on the distance measured by a sensor, hidden in the lower part of the robot. The model is equipped with claws which allow it to collect interesting samples from the sea bottom. The bathyscaphe exercise is an excellent opportunity to talk about different life forms found in the oceans, the way the sea fish and mammals have become accustomed to the environment they live in and the history of the deep-sea exploration.

AEROPLANE

The flight simulator is equipped with a tilt sensor which forms part of the control joystick. By means of this joystick a pilot can control the machine and determine its turning direction. The motor has got two roles : it drives the rotor and tilts the plane while it gets ready to turn. The simulator is a perfect opportunity to talk about flying machines, the developments that allow them to take to the sky and the instruments that enable them to be controlled.

FIRE TRUCK

This is a model of a fire engine. It is mobile and equipped with an extendable ladder. A rack gear is responsible for raising the ladder and a geared transmission powers the wheels. A tilt sensor is connected to the ladder and can be used to write some interesting programs. During this exercise we talk about fire hazards, fire fighting methods, the important role of firefighters and about the equipment they use.