In this design challenge, students will receive the task of improving an existing toy design called a Wigglebot. The Wigglebot can wiggle through the use of a DC motor, a machine that transforms electric energy into mechanical energy in the form of rotation.
Students will learn about electricity and circuitry before taking on the challenge of adding more features to this toy.
The students will be presented with the following problem:
“Maria’s company currently sells Wigglebots, but has gotten feedback from her market research that they need to do more than just wiggle. She is looking to improve the design of this toy to include more features while keeping its’ same look.”
Students will put on their engineering hats to help Maria improve the design of her toy! Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design a Wigglebot that can produce light and sound while still being able to wiggle.
Students will engage in an electricity and circuitry STEM challenge to design a Wigglebot toy that can produce light and sound while still being able to wiggle.
Students will work to understand how devices like a three-speed fan or a dimmer switch adjust the flow of electricity in a circuit to have different outputs.
Students will engage in a STEM challenge to design a truck powered by a chemical reaction that will have to stop within a specific drop-off zone. Teams will be challenged with various payloads to earn bonus points if they can stop in the drop-off zone.
