Strawbees
Create a geometric shape, something which moves, or something you can wear with Strawbee connectors & straws
Discovery Center
Accucut Die Cut machine
2 Strawbee die cuts for the different connectors
Tips
Strawbee connectors can be created using two different Accucut die cuts https://accucut.com/collections/strawbees
Dies work with best with Accucut machines which have a crank handle, however, they will work with Ellison die cut machines
Create connectors using recycled material - milk cartons, butter tubs, cereal or frozen pizza boxes, or with poly sheets ($20/pack) https://accucut.com/products/polyethylene-sheets-for-strawbees
Use either straight straws or bendable straws; be cautious to not purchase “heavy duty” or “milkshake straws” as the opening may be too large; you can allow students to cut the straws
Strawbees also sell motors and connectors to micro:bits
Resources from Strawbees
Activities (some require the optional accessories such as the micro:bit, or Quirkbot)
Strawbee Classroom - subscription based, 30 day free trial...uses the motor kit and micro:bits Contact account manager for USA - thomas.aaby@strawbees.com for more information
Mega Catapult
Build a mega catapult using Strawbees, Then, use different straw lengths to figure out the mechanical advantage of different catapult designs. Mega Catapult Lesson
Mega Catapult
Build a mega catapult using Strawbees, Then, use different straw lengths to figure out the mechanical advantage of different catapult designs . Mega Catapult Lesson
Credit to: https://sites.google.com/rockingham.k12.va.us/stem/strawbees for some resources used on this site
STEAM School Kit - $395
Pocketful of Ideas Cards - $14.90
Regular straws from Amazon (250) - $7 - do not purchase jumbo straws with larger diameters - the connectors won't stay in
Flex straws from Amazon (500) - $8
Accucut Strawbee Die Cut #1 - $125
Accucut Strawbee Die Cut #2 - $125
50 Polysheets from Accucut (blue, red, or gray) - $22