Alberta STEM standards: hands-on mechanical engineering activities

Alberta Standards Mapping

Teachers can use Toyineer projects to address selected Alberta K-6 Science and Mathematics learning outcomes through hands-on mechanical construction.

Alignment reviewed October 2026.

Executive summary

Teachers can use Toyineer projects to address Alberta curriculum outcomes by giving learners physical systems they can construct, observe and explain. Moving components provide a concrete context for investigating characteristics of movement in Grade 1 and the effects of contact forces and simple machines in Grade 3, while Grade 6 learners can trace external forces applied by the maker and internal forces transmitted through a mechanism. The assembly process also lets Grade 4 learners examine how design processes are applied to solve practical problems without requiring them to create an original design. Flat printed components become three-dimensional objects, and blueprint geometry provides visible examples of parallel, perpendicular and equal sides, supporting Kindergarten and Grade 3 mathematics. The completed toy provides hands-on evidence for classroom discussion of mechanics, geometry, spatial reasoning, systems and purposeful design. Toyineer projects are hands-on engineering activities that teach mechanics, geometry, spatial reasoning and technical problem solving through the construction of working mechanical toys. Video instruction and clear assembly guides support independent and classroom use while keeping educator preparation minimal.

Standards and evidence.

These alignments use only the ordinary Toyineer construction process. They do not depend on a separate extension activity.

I. Alberta K-6 Science Curriculum: Movement, Forces & Design

Grade 1Movement

Investigate characteristics of movement.

Toyineer mechanisms provide visible examples of movement along constrained paths. Learners can observe changes in direction, position and speed as they assemble and operate moving parts.

Grade 3Contact Forces & Simple Machines

Investigate the effects of contact forces on objects, including simple machines.

Learners apply contact forces directly to levers, followers, push rods and other components and observe how those forces are transferred through a working mechanical system.

Grade 4Design Processes

Examine design processes and how they are applied to solve problems.

Toyineer does not require learners to invent a new design. Instead, the assembly process exposes purposeful design decisions—such as flexures, clips, flanges, reinforcement and mechanical stops—so learners can examine how particular solutions address fit, movement, strength and alignment.

Grade 6Internal & External Forces

Analyze internal and external forces and their effects on objects.

A maker applies an external force to actuate a Toyineer toy, while connected parts transmit internal forces through the structure. Learners can trace how those forces create motion, resistance, bending and changes in position.

II. Alberta K-6 Mathematics Curriculum: Geometry

Kindergarten2-D & 3-D Shapes

Recognize two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes in the environment.

Toyineer provides an immediate physical comparison: learners begin with flat two-dimensional printed components and transform them into three-dimensional structures.

Grade 3Lines & Sides

Recognize parallel, perpendicular and equal sides in two-dimensional shapes.

Blueprint parts and alignment features contain visible parallel and perpendicular edges and repeated equal dimensions, giving educators concrete geometry to identify during ordinary construction.

Official standards sources: Alberta K-6 Science Curriculumand Alberta K-6 Mathematics Curriculum.

Hands-on evidence for standards-aligned learning.

Teachers can use Toyineer projects to address these standards. Students also gain skill in their use of tools and appreciate the importance of accuracy in engineering.

All standards pages