ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************
Hi all,
K'NEX is a great & quick building medium for simple to complex 3D structures and mechanisms.
We developed several themed workshops-challenges to use with 2 different K'NEX shows we've had and we also use it for a bridge building challenge for National Engineering Week.
This challenge may best suit your needs, it is "to build the lightest bridge to hold the greatest weight while spanning an 18" gap" (tip: build gap-frame from 2x4's and place in large plastic bin with some foam in bottom to control safety of weights on collapse of bridge & call it "Bridge Crusher !")
- All you need is some tables, chairs, bins of mixed K'NEX, a test-span, some weights, a fishing weight scale, optional certificates...
- so kids/families/groups build their bridge,
- vols weight it, then vols test it to destruction by simply placing over span & add weights
- recording its max load and calculating its load to weight ratio
Participants get a simple "K'NEX Certificate of Imagination" once their bridge is tested.
Everyone loves this and some of their creations are amazing, plus everyone loves testing to destruction !
Also if you need volunteers, this is so specific to engineering and technology you can approach any college or university with engineering programs to seek students as volunteers-helpers as they see this as great community outreach as well as career-path and professional promotion.
I hope this is helpful, if you need more info contact me off-conf.
Best Regards,
Blair Clarkson
Coordinator Special Events & Attractions
Ontario Science Centre
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Ph 416-696-3195
Informal Science Education Network <[log in to unmask]> writes:
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>A question for the ASTC brain trust...
>
>I'm looking into using K'nex for a set of design challenge workshops. These workshops aim to teach kids about the engineering process, have 40-60 kids each, one facilitator with a helper or two, and range from 3-12 grade.
>
>Does anyone out there have experience with K'nex to share? Or another type of kit that would be appropriate?
>
>Thanks so much for your help,
>Kristin
>
>--
>Kristin Qualls
>Exhibit & Program Developer
>The Franklin Institute
>222 N. 20th St.
>Philadelphia, PA 19103
>215-448-1135
>[log in to unmask]
>
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.
The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
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