Kit Information
Designed for two students
Demonstrate different movements using fluid power and simple machines
Ready to use – all parts cut
and drilled
and drilled
Requires scissors and wood glue to assemble
29 kits to choose from
Samples of our New Product Range
Hydraulic Robot Arm
Flying Dragon
Lift bridge
Da Vinci Ornithopter
Medieval Siege Tower
Five more Classroom Kits
Rotating base
This classroom kit demonstrates how a system of cylinders can rotate a base through 180˚. A levered arm is connected to the platform of one actuating cylinder and also to a second. When the base reaches its critical point and cannot rotate any further, the second cylinder is engaged to continue the rotary movement. Once the critical position is overcome the first cylinder will be re-engaged to achieve the required rotation. This kit is designed so that the platform may be used to build upon.
Hand-cranked Windmill
Designed for students in
grades 4 – 6 inclusive
This classroom kit demonstrates the use of a pulley system to increase the speed of rotation. For each turn of the cranking wheel the vanes of the Windmill rotate four times, a measure governed by the diameter of the pulleys that form the pulley system.
By constructing this hands-on model students learn mathematical concepts of measurement, ratio and fractions and geometry as well as the science and engineering concepts of a simple machine.
grades 4 – 6 inclusive
This classroom kit demonstrates the use of a pulley system to increase the speed of rotation. For each turn of the cranking wheel the vanes of the Windmill rotate four times, a measure governed by the diameter of the pulleys that form the pulley system.
By constructing this hands-on model students learn mathematical concepts of measurement, ratio and fractions and geometry as well as the science and engineering concepts of a simple machine.
Wheels and Axles
Designed for students in
grades 1 – 3 inclusive
This kit enables students to have first-hand experience of mathematical concepts of measurement, estimation and geometry as well as science and engineering concepts associated with building and exploring motion and forces.
The kit includes three different sizes of wheels and students may estimate which combination of wheels will enable the vehicle to travel the furthest distance. A platform is included for the chassis so that different masses may be applied to the vehicle.
grades 1 – 3 inclusive
This kit enables students to have first-hand experience of mathematical concepts of measurement, estimation and geometry as well as science and engineering concepts associated with building and exploring motion and forces.
The kit includes three different sizes of wheels and students may estimate which combination of wheels will enable the vehicle to travel the furthest distance. A platform is included for the chassis so that different masses may be applied to the vehicle.
Rotational Arm
This classroom kit demonstrates how to control a rotating base and/or arm.
Most fluidic applications require a rotating movement and it is important to understand that both the arm and the mounting of the cylinder/syringe have to rotate.
In this way the linear in/out movement of the plunger may be effectively translated into the rotary movement of the arm.
Most fluidic applications require a rotating movement and it is important to understand that both the arm and the mounting of the cylinder/syringe have to rotate.
In this way the linear in/out movement of the plunger may be effectively translated into the rotary movement of the arm.
Clamp
This classroom kit demonstrates linear movement controlled by a cylinder or syringe.
Some fluidic applications, particularly the NFPA Challenge, require the students to design a way of picking up an object. This clamp is the easiest way to do it.
Using this kit the students understand a closed system where air is passed between the two syringes only and the concept of linear motion
Some fluidic applications, particularly the NFPA Challenge, require the students to design a way of picking up an object. This clamp is the easiest way to do it.
Using this kit the students understand a closed system where air is passed between the two syringes only and the concept of linear motion
STEM Connections Project
The Investigating Fluid Power Rigs and the Levers & Fluids Rig explore the physics of using syringes pneumatically and hydraulically.
Click here to receive more information about this project as it develops.
Click here to download article "Using Fluid Power in the middle-school classroom".
One of the STEM products. This kit explores the physics of fluid power. Measure forces needed to close the plunger with 4 different sized syringes using air or water and construct a hydraulic lift (shown).
The product IFP Rigs consists of two pre-constructed rigs.
The students notes are a 4-hour module suitable for high-school students.
Click here to download the Students Notes for the IFP Rigs.
Another of the STEM products. With this rig investigate the forces in class 1 lever systems using a cylinder filled with air or water. The syringe can be positioned in 2 locations and the force meter in 3, giving 6 ratios to explore.
The students notes are a 4-hour module suitable for middle-school students.
Click here to download the Students Notes for the Levers & Fluids Rig
Click here to receive more information about this project as it develops.
Click here to download article "Using Fluid Power in the middle-school classroom".
One of the STEM products. This kit explores the physics of fluid power. Measure forces needed to close the plunger with 4 different sized syringes using air or water and construct a hydraulic lift (shown).
The product IFP Rigs consists of two pre-constructed rigs.
The students notes are a 4-hour module suitable for high-school students.
Click here to download the Students Notes for the IFP Rigs.
Another of the STEM products. With this rig investigate the forces in class 1 lever systems using a cylinder filled with air or water. The syringe can be positioned in 2 locations and the force meter in 3, giving 6 ratios to explore.
The students notes are a 4-hour module suitable for middle-school students.
Click here to download the Students Notes for the Levers & Fluids Rig
Pneumatic Arm (3-action)
This Pneumatic Arm combines the three basic movements of the other Classroom Kits: lifting (up & down), rotating (left & right) and grabbing with a claw. It requires no tools except for scissors and some wood glue as the pieces are pre-cut and drilled. Once the kit is constructed and used pneumatically the syringes may be filled with water and controlled hydraulically.
Pneumatic Lifter
The Classroom Lifter kit models the lifting platform that we see used to work at height pruning trees and such, or the movement we see on some “dinosaur-like” garbage trucks.
The platform is moved by the action of a cylinder’s piston that extends or retracts. In industry the action of the cylinder is controlled by the pressure of the fluid inside the cylinder. The Classroom Lifter kit is controlled by the action of a syringe or cylinder using air or pneumatic pressure applied by another syringe of equal volume.
The platform is moved by the action of a cylinder’s piston that extends or retracts. In industry the action of the cylinder is controlled by the pressure of the fluid inside the cylinder. The Classroom Lifter kit is controlled by the action of a syringe or cylinder using air or pneumatic pressure applied by another syringe of equal volume.
Pedagogy
The experience students have from hands-on learning deepens and strengthens their understanding of conceptual knowledge. By building a model that moves students are highly motivated and their hands and their heads are engaged in their learning.
Each kit provides two students the opportunity to learn about fluid power. Alternatively a part or the whole of a class could build one model using the appropriate number of kits.
All that is required for each classroom kit is a pair of scissors and access to a small amount of wood glue. Wood glue can be dispensed in a small container similar to a “take-away” sauce container, and applied with a wooden stirring stick. Paper towels are useful to clean up any spills.
Each kit provides two students the opportunity to learn about fluid power. Alternatively a part or the whole of a class could build one model using the appropriate number of kits.
All that is required for each classroom kit is a pair of scissors and access to a small amount of wood glue. Wood glue can be dispensed in a small container similar to a “take-away” sauce container, and applied with a wooden stirring stick. Paper towels are useful to clean up any spills.
Curriculum
Concepts like linear and rotational motion and transferring linear movement to rotational movement are important in fluidic control and may be learned by building the models. Downloadable instructions for each kit are available on this page.
Other curriculum activities are available
for different grades:
Other curriculum activities are available
for different grades:
Our support services
Classroom Kits – download instructions
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