Automata--Cardboard and Found Items

Don't forget to log every day with specific details about what you planned or accomplished.  

Goal:  To use mechanical engineering to create an automata that can be cranked to make actions happen. 

Artifacts:  Your artifacts will include your completed automata, pictures from different points of view, and a video of the automata working.    You should work on the project for the full 8 days.  

ProjectDetails to Know

1.  You do not have to create an original automata.  You can find one on the internet that someone else has created and use it for a pattern for your automata.

The number of contraptions created will depend on the intricacy of the contraptions. 

2.  You can utilize any consumable materials in the classroom.  We have access to scrap cardboard, good design cardboard, skewers, hot glue, white glue, construction paper, and colored paper.

3.  We have several tools for cutting and even a hand drill.  If you need something cut with a utility blade, you will need to draw the cut lines for me (Mrs. Pennington) and I will cut it for you.  I will cut exactly on your drawn lines.

4.  Just a hint...The automatas that have more exact dimensions and measurements, often work better.  

5.  Hot glue guns--There are several hot glue guns in the classroom.  There is a tub of several with hot glue sticks in a tub on the supply shelves in the back of the room.  There is also a hook next to the door to Mrs. Pettibon's room that we utilize to hang the guns when they are hot to let them cool, instead of putting them back in the container.  

6.  You will be given a project box with your name on it.  This box is to contain all the parts of your project as you work.

7.  This project often creates quite a mess.  Make sure to pick up the hot glue strands and/or use the room sweeper to pick up ones off the floor.  The hot glue strands are hard on the vaccuum.