SATELLITE

Robot consists of a rotating base and a column with two models atop of it: a satellite and a space shuttle. Motion sensor in the base controls the speed of their rotation. During this exercise we often talk about our activity on Earth’s orbit.

AT-ST WALKER

This walking robot uses a proximity sensor to detect any obstacles or chasms on its way and will stop moving upon detecting such a danger. The robot is powered by a special crankshaft that slowly puts one leg in front of the other. AT-ST is stable at all times because of the unique way it lays its ’feet’ on the ground. Playing with this robot is a great opportunity to talk about different ways in which robots move and about how the world of science fiction inspire modern engineers and designers.

DROID

This simple robot waves to anyone that would like to meet him. When the motion sensor on its head detects movement, our droid runs the program that puts his hand in motion. During this exercise we talk about the development of humanoid robots, artificial intelligence and advantages of using it.

ROBOTIC ARM

This clever construction is used to transport a small object from one place to another with great precision. Its is operated both by keyboard and manual crank and it allows students to feel like real scientists, working in a high-tech laboratory, or astronauts, handling unknown objects on another planet. While playing with the robotic arm, children are taught how manipulators are being used in different fields of science, industrial applications and even zero-gravity conditions.

MARS ROVER

The model of the mars rover was inspired by the famous “Curiosity” rover. Just like the real vehicle, our model made from LEGO WeDo stands on six independent wheels. Its movement is very slow but, at the same time, very accurate. Apart from that the rover is also equipped with a rotating camera and a sensor mounted on the end of an adjustable arm. Thanks to the movable joints, the placing of the sensor can be easily changed. This model is a great opportunity to talk about the fascinating mission of investigating Mars’ surface, in which “Curiosity” played the main role.

X-WING

Model of a famous spacecraft, which can change the arrangement of its wings midflight. Position of the X-wing is checked by the tilt sensor placed in special stand that hold the craft. When we tilt it backwards, its wings split to form a letter X. During this exercise we talk about science fiction classics and how much they changed with the progress of science.

ASTRONOMICAL MODEL

This unusual robot is composed of an intricate set of gears, and models of Sun, Earth and Moon, represented by bricks of different size. When the motor is turned on, our celestial bodies start orbiting, just like their astronomical counterparts. Motion sensor is used to count the number of rotations around the “sun”. Astronomical model is very helpful in describing how the movement of celestial bodies is used to measure time.

SPACE BATTLE

Space battle is a model, which brings star-fighter chases from the scenes of sci-fi films to our desks. Star-fighter models resemble those known from the legendary „Star Wars” saga and the outcome of the chase is always unpredictable. This is possible thanks to the program that picks the time of motor’s rotation duration randomly. „Space battle” also gives us a good start to talk about some inaccuracies, sometimes even mistaken as facts, pictured in the sci-fi films.

SPACE SHUTTLE

This construction is a simple game in which children are taking a role of a space shuttle pilot. Long, paper tape has different kinds of dangerous objects printed on it and the task is to maneuver the shuttle left or right to avoid collision. With the use of the lever, the player can easily alternate between different speeds. During this exercise we talk about the space shuttle program and about dangers that awaits the astronauts in outer space.

LAUNCHER

The exercise, in which we build a launcher, is a clever and visual way to illustrate how a piston works. Thanks to the use of the worm gear transmission we can achieve enough force to push the LEGO brick from the hole, thus turning it into a missile. The launcher is mounted on an adjustable stand, which enables the operator to precisely aim at the paper target. The stand for the target is also made from LEGO bricks! While building the launcher we can discuss the trajectory of the missile and at the end, hold a shooting tournament.

LANDER

Simple model of a space lander, nicely depicting how similar machines land on the surface of different celestial bodies. When it get close to the ground, the lander is detected by the motion sensor and the speed of descent is reduced to simulate the launch of retrograde rockets. During this exercise we talk about the main difficulties of landing on different planets and moons, using the Apollo 11 mission as an example.

RAILGUN

This rotating gun can be loaded with any brick that fits the barrel. To fire it, the operator need to lock on target and run the program that will strech the rubber bands to build power and launch the projectile. It is good to point out how this simplified model varies from modern ballistic weapons, huge naval cannons or experimental railguns and gauss guns. We often discuss what different weapons were used in science fiction movies and games.