Rationale

One of the challenges of the increasing variety of technology available to students in KS3 is exploiting the benefits of new technologies, such as computer aided design and manufacture, without abandoning traditional hand-making skills.  This project aims to address one-off, batch and mass production giving future designers an insight into modern techniques and future Ikea customers the ability to construct their flat-pack furniture.

A mechanical Acrobat

In the project illustrated, students will make a mechanical acrobat. The action of the acrobat is generated using a pair of levers. A lever is a simple machine which gives us mechanical advantage, that is to allow us to do something quicker, more easily, or that we could not do in our own strength.