Simple Machines Divisional Challenge 2021

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Simple Machines Challenge video

Watch this video for an introduction to the Simple Machines Challenge

Simple Machines challenge:

Transport is an important part of our international community and it is what allows us to visit different places around the world.

Task

In this task you will explore the concept of transport by designing a simple machine to transport a soft toy across a room.

There is a domestic (within the same country) version and a cross continent (crossing over sea or air) version of this challenge depending on if you want to design a simple machine that travels across land, or across water or through the air. Just choose one!

You will design and build your machine from materials you have at home and should present your finished machine by making a video showing a demonstration of your machine working, or if you prefer, a labelled picture of your machine working. Check below what you need to submit.

3 Categories To Choose From: Land, Sea or Air

1. Domestic Transport

Design a simple machine to carry your soft toy from one side a room to another.

2. Crossing International Waters

Design a simple machine to carry your soft toy from one side of a body of water to another. The body of water could be a bath or a swimming pool.

!WARNING! Water can be dangerous. Adults should supervise.

3. Crossing International Air

Design a simple machine to carry a soft toy from one side of a room to another without touching the ground.

The video examples above are only examples - you are free to design your simple machine any way you like with any material you have.

Submitting Work

Do not just take photos when you have finished - take lots of photos as you design, render, prepare materials, assemble and test (10-20 photos)

Part 1: Design

Submit 3 photos of your designs and renderings to Google Classroom - Choose your top 3 photos.

Part 2: Manufacture

Submit 3 photos of your finished model and you testing it to Google Classroom - Choose your top 3 photos.

Part 3: Website

Create a new website page to show all of your photos and explain each step. there is no limit to how many photos you can add.

What if you don't have the right things?

Don't worry if you do not have the right things to make your simple machine. The 3 example videos above might use things that you don't have at home, such as: wooden lollipop sticks, giant glue sticks or LEGO. Don't let that stop you.

All you need to do is reinvent and redesign to include other types of material.

You could easily swap materials for other materials.

No wooden lollipop sticks - Use layers of cardboard. Layers will help add strength.
No elastic bands - Use a hair tie or the elastic cord from some old shorts or swimsuit.
No LEGO pulley wheels - Make your own spinning wheels from bottle caps or by cutting round disc of cardboard.
No giant glue sticks - Cut a plastic bottle into stips and layer them to make them stronger/stiffer but still bendy.
No hot glue - Use tape.
No String - Use dental floss or an old electric cable but make sure it is not plugged in!!

Tips: The photos below might give you some inspiration and ideas on how to build different components.

Pulley wheels made from cardboard and old toilet rolls.

Think about the gap you need for the string to pass through.

Cardboard is not waterproof but if you cover it with plastic or glue a plastic bag on then it will be.

Wind power from a sail. Make sure you use a weight at the bottom of your boat so it doesn't tip over.

Steam boat wheels can act as propellers to power your boat.

Plastic spoons can be used to propel your boat.

Pulley wheels will allow a cradle to zip through the air

2 pulley wheels will take longer to prepare but will they be more stable?

See below for more images that may inspire you on each challenge. Remember that you only have to pick one type to make.

Examples of the best simple machines made by students

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