Wisconsin STEM standards: hands-on mechanical engineering activities

Wisconsin Standards Mapping

Teachers can use Toyineer projects to address selected Wisconsin Science and Mathematics standards through hands-on mechanical construction.

Alignment reviewed October 2026.

Executive summary

Teachers can use Toyineer projects to address Wisconsin academic standards by giving learners physical systems they can construct, observe and explain. Wisconsin Science directly addresses how pushes and pulls change motion in the early grades (SCI.PS2.A.K) and how unbalanced forces change motion while motion patterns support prediction in Grades 3–5 (SCI.PS2.A.3). Wisconsin Mathematics adds strong spatial connections as learners distinguish two-dimensional from three-dimensional shapes (M.K.G.A.3), model shapes by building from components (M.K.G.B.5), and compose individual 2-D and 3-D forms into composite shapes (M.1.G.A.2). The completed toy provides visible, hands-on evidence for classroom discussion of force, motion, geometry, construction and spatial reasoning. 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. Wisconsin Standards for Science: Forces, Interactions, Motion and Stability

KindergartenSCI.PS2.A.K

Pushes and pulls can have different strengths and directions and can change the speed or direction of an object's motion, or start or stop it.

Every Toyineer mechanism responds to an applied push or pull. Learners can vary direction and relative effort and observe a part start, stop, speed up, slow down or change direction.

Grades 3–5SCI.PS2.A.3

Motion and changes in motion are described by size and direction; unbalanced forces change motion, and patterns of motion can be used to predict future motion.

Toyineer gives learners a visible mechanical system in which an unbalanced input changes motion and connected components follow repeatable paths that can be observed and predicted.

II. Wisconsin Standards for Mathematics: Geometry

KindergartenM.K.G.A.3

Identify shapes as two-dimensional (flat) or three-dimensional (solid).

Toyineer begins with flat printed profiles and transforms them into three-dimensional components and structures, making the 2-D-to-3-D relationship concrete.

KindergartenM.K.G.B.5

Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components and drawing shapes.

Learners build physical three-dimensional forms from carton board components they cut and fold from printed blueprints, connecting the printed representation with the resulting object.

Grade 1M.1.G.A.2

Compose two-dimensional or three-dimensional shapes to create a composite shape and compose new shapes from the composite shape.

Learners combine individual cut, folded and assembled forms into components, subassemblies and ultimately one composite mechanical toy.

Official standards sources: Wisconsin Standards for Science and Wisconsin Standards for Mathematics.

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