Pull Toy Project

You were hired by a major toy company to design and build a pull toy that K-3 graders will absolutely love! You will need to come up with a fun, interesting, and creative toy that is operated by pulling a string!

When our toys are done we will be heading to the elementary toy testing room so they can vote on their favorite toy.

Pull Toy Definition: A pull-toy is pulled along the ground and a movement is produced, such as a head nods, a tail wags or a figure bobs up and down. The pull-toys use mechanisms to transfer energy from the wheels to the characters that define them.

Engineering Notebook:

For this project you will work with a partner on the building but do your OWN ENGINEERING NOTEBOOK.

Master Copy - VEX Pull Toy Engineering Notebook

*OPEN YOUR COPY FROM SCHOOLOGY

Engineering Design Process

Step 1: Define the Problem

With your knowledge of mechanisms, you and your partner will use the design process to design and build a series of mechanisms to make up a pull toy that K-3rd (5-8 year olds) graders will enjoy.

Criteria and Constraints:

The mechanism is to be built entirely from VEX parts. The decoration/design can use non VEX parts.
The mechanism is to be built on a small 4 wheel chassis capable of being pulled across a table-top surface, the movement of the wheels will make the toy move.
You must use a minimum of TWO different mechanisms attached to the wheels will make part of the pull toy move.
An illustration should be added to the output of the mechanism so as to simulate the toy.

Step 2: Brainstorm

Think about 10 things 5-8 year olds would love. Make a list to help you start to think about different ideas for your design!

Do a rough sketch of 3 different ideas. A rough sketch gives you a general idea but may lack some details or color.

*Sketches should be done on paper and uploaded into your digital notebook.

Step 3: Research

Use the sources and graphic organizer in your digital engineering notebook to explore the top toys and games, most popular shows and movies, and to research existing ideas for VEX pull toys!

Document your research findings and ideas in your graphic organizer.

Step 4: Develop Ideas

You MUST fully develop 2 different ideas.

The idea must include:

Labels
Clear use of 2 different mechanisms and HOW they are connected
Theme of design

Step 5: Choose Best Idea

Part 1: Decision Matrix from all 4 designs

A decision matrix looks at criteria and weighted scoring to help make a decision for which idea is BEST
Complete the decision matrix with your partner to select the idea you will be building

Part 2: Fully Developed Sketch

LARGE sketch (can be digital or physical) of your chosen idea
Labels + Color
Clear identification of mechanisms and HOW they are connected

Part 3: Written Portion

Write out a written description of your design and how it will work
List the mechanisms you are using (remember 2 different mechanisms that cause movement in your design) and how they work in your idea.

Step 6: Model/Prototype

During the building portion of the project you will need to take a quick progress photo and write a quick description of what was accomplished in the class period. It is also a great idea to consider the focus/goal for the next day.

Step 7: Test/Evaluate

Testing will take place when our toys are shared with an elementary classroom. They will have a chance to play with the toys, give feedback, and vote on the BEST toy.