Hands-on STEM activities for classrooms and homeschool: levers, linkages and mechanisms
The pedagogy of carton board.
For educators and homeschool families: hands-on mechanics and engineering that any educator can lead, including educators who are not science teachers. Designed for easy implementation and high learner success.
Best for Grades 4 to 6 (ages 9 to 12). Older students and adults enjoy the higher tiers.
Easy to teach
Illustrated manuals and assembly videos handle the core instruction.
Real engineering
We physically construct mechanisms and learn how machines work.
Standards-aligned
We learn engineering, mechanics, geometry and design with our hands and tools.
A small kit of materials. A complete making process.
These projects work great for science classes, science stations, STEM camps, enrichment programs, homeschool and workshops. The manuals can be printed and laminated for a screen-free, battery-free experience. Or students can use the video for reference.
Prep is minimal:
- Print the blueprints on paper
- Salvage some household cartons
- Gather glue, scissors, and a ruler for each maker
These projects are not meant to be easy. They are meant to be satisfying.
Learner success is supported at every step. Color-coded blueprints show which panels meet, so flat carton board becomes a three-dimensional part without guesswork. The illustrated manuals repeat those colors and explain the whole assembly. The video also walks them through a successful build.
Designed from the educator's side of the table.
All of these toys have been thoroughly tested at workshops. Each of them has been made successfully many, many times by real world learners.
