Reach out and grab something. Given the task of picking up objects at least two feet away, pupils design and build a grabber. The last activity in a series of five challenges requires learners to use information about fulcrums and levers.

Concepts

levers, fulcrum, hands, simple machines, design, engineering design, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Research how 3-D printers make prosthetic hands
• Conduct a mini-lesson on levers

Classroom Considerations

• Requires pieces of cardboard along with other materials easily found in the classroom

Pros

• Includes suggestions for extensions
• Contains hints to help troubleshoot a design

Cons

• None