Embedded Files
STEAM U Credit:
Credit depends on SMART Goal and amount of time spent. Credit will
be awarded upon completion of project.
Exploring Simple Machines with K'nex
The K'nex engagement includes a number of instruction books to help you explore simple machines and their use in real-world devices. As a review, the six simple machines are:
Gears
Inclined Planes + Wedges
Levers
Screws (Gears)
Wheel & Axles
These instruction books are located in the middle section of the K'Nex Station. If you choose to explore simple machines as part of your SMART goal, you might choose to make a few specific examples of each kind of simple machine to share with the class. You could additionally create your own invention using multiple types of simple machines!
I also have links to the instructions here:
Simple Machines Instructions:
Wheels, Axles and Inclined Planes
The K'nex Big Ball Factory
The K'nex Big Ball Factory is a classic project that requires a LOT of patience and a ton of teamwork. You most likely will need to spend more than one engagement on this project, so choose wisely. If you're successful, you'll be in for a real treat though!
The K'nex Amusement Park bundle (8th Grade Only)
Amusement Park
Just pulled from the K'NEX vault, the 3-in-1 Classic Amusement Park Building Set. One of the original K'NEX Building Sets, the 3-in-1 Classic Amusement Park replicates everything that K'NEX was built around and still stands for! Motorized movement sends the 744 classic K'NEX parts and pieces on a ride of a lifetime. Also included in the instructions booklet, is step-by-step instructions for two additional models - a Swing Ride and a Boom Ride. All models can be built one at a time. Celebrate almost 25 years of K'NEX with the 3-in-1 Classic Amusement Park Building Set. Ages 9+. Requires 2 "AA" batteries that are not included.
Building with K'nex and Instructables
If you'd like to take a look at what other inventors have done with K'nex, there is no better place than the instructables website. This site lets people share their creations, along with instructions, for inventions of all kinds. They have a section dedicated to K'nex. Maybe you'll come across a great project to build or even decide to create your own instructable for people around the world to use.
Note: Sometimes the directions in the instructables are not as user-friendly as the regular instruction books. You may need to be patient and do a little extra problem solving!
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