Connections to other activities and the real world This activity is a good introduction to a variety of mechanisms and systems found in other PIE activities, and in the real world. ![]() For learners, the narrative, decorated aspects of the automata are as important as the mechanical elements. Science and art connections Cardboard Automata are a good example of integrating science and art into an activity.A playful and inventive approach to learning simple machines This is a playful and inventive way of exploring levers, cams, cam followers, linkages, and other mechanisms.WHY IS THIS A PLAYFUL AND INVENTIVE EXPLORATION? The skewer stick axle fits nicely into a LEGO motor. Program a PicoCricket to send power to a LEGO motor when it detects a coin completing the circuit in a coin detector. MAKE YOUR AUTOMATA COIN OPERATED: Make a coin detector switch from three popsicle sticks, aluminum foil, masking tape, and a PicoCricket resistance sensor. ![]() TAKING IT FURTHER You can build automata out of a variety of everyday materials. Tip: Make sure to glue the bushing to the axle and NOT to the frame. Tip: If your cam and axle move out of place, add a small bushing made from a scrap piece of a thick Foamie. Tip: If the cam follower does not fall on the cam, attach a washer or nut to add a little weight. Test it! Adjust your cam under the cam follower until you get the motion you like, then GLUE the cam into place on the skewer stick axle. Tip:The straw will keep the skewer stick from falling over. Glue your cam follower on the end of a skewer stick and put it through the straw. Tip: Use a pencil to make the hole large enough for the drinking straw. Carefully glue the drinking straw in place. Poke a hole in the top of the frame where you want your cam follower to be located, and insert a drinking straw. Glue a second piece of skewer stick to the end of the rectangle to make a handle. Make the Handle Glue a small rectangle cut from the cardboard box flap to the skewer stick axle. Tip: Start the holes in the frame using a nail or screw, and make sure the cam clears the top and bottom of the frame. Make the Axle Put your cam on a skewer stick inside the frame. Tip: Cut the cams smoothly, and make sure the cam follower is a little bigger than the cam. The cam should be about 2.5” (6cm) in diameter. Side to Side MAKE THE CAMS Draw your cam and cam follower on the thick Foamie sheet, and cut them out. Up and Down, Back and Forth Things to Tr y: Cardboard Automata Nail or screw, drinking straw, hot melt glue, glue gun, skewer stick, thick (6mm) Foamies* nut or washer (optional), materials for decoration, thin (2mm) Foamies* markers/pens, feathers, pipe cleaners *() PIE Institute: MAKE A FRAME Cut the flaps off the box, then cut the box in two pieces (you get two frames from each box)Ĭut triangles out of the flaps and tape them into each corner of the frame for support. ![]() PIE Institute shares a playful and inventive approach to teaching science, art, and technology. TRY IT! Collect these things: Cardboard box 15x15cm (6”圆”) scissors, masking tape, Working with simple materials, this activity is easy to get started, and may become as complex as your mechanical sculpture ideas. The Cardboard Automata activity was inspired by Cardboard Automata are a playful way to explore simple machine elements such as cams, levers, and linkages, while creating a mechanical sculpture.
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