::: dinky drawbots
We have been quite interested lately in creative activities that use mechanics. We found a great post on Teacher Tom‘s site about “drawbots” and decided we’d like to give them a go too.
We had a bit of a fiddle but as we weren’t prepared with equipment to be making anything fancy just yet, Donna came up with a brilliant idea – why not use the chattering teeth (you know, the ones you wind up and they vibrate all over the place) as the ‘motor?
We tried it a few different ways. At first we attached two textas straight onto the bottom row of the teeth which worked very well and caused the ‘drawbot’ to hop around in circles.
Next, we added a small container to the bottom of the teeth and fixed three textas to that, lifting it right up off the paper which caused the drawbot to ‘waddle’ all around in larger circles … such fun!
Both designs worked really well, and were very easy for little hands to wind up and play with.
Sherry’s grandson couldn’t believe his eyes!
When Donna was having her bright ideas (and fun), she also pulled out a small ‘line control’ car. We stuck a texta on the front and let it tear back and forth around the paper.
It was still lots of fun but it tended to be a little less interesting …
as it moved back and forth in pretty much a straight line!
A bonus is that when the children have had enough of that, the car is fun just to play with.
Of course Donna isn’t about to stop there. She still has a few more ‘drawbot’ ideas rattling around in her head … one of which involves the innards of the little red car pictured above! We’ll keep you posted.
Tags: chattering teeth, large paper, remote control car, sticky tape, textas
Brilliant! I’ll bet Donna has more ideas rattling around . . . Now I do too!
::: We do have a couple more ideas we’re working on Tom. We’ll share them once we iron out the creases!
Those are wonderful! I love testing out Tom’s ideas on my own. Your kiddos did great work.
::: They certainly are a lot of fun Abbie!
I’ve seen those teeth around and always wondered what could be done with them. Now I know! Thanks, Donna!
::: You’re very welcome Scott!
what a wonderful and fun idea! i love the patterns made and what a great way for kids to discover cause and effect.
::: They really are fun Stephanie and so easy to make too!
WOW such inspirational stuff. Another great idea to add to the list.
::: Thanks Penny … enjoy!
As much as I love Tom’s endless supply of fantastic ideas, I like your version of the ‘bots even more. Winding the teeth is just one more step the kids will do on their own. I’ve already found a supplier here in town for the teeth. Draw ‘bots, here we come!
::: Have fun Barbara!
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Irresistible!!!!!!!!!! I love it…..and no batteries – very sustainable! My mind is going crazy now trying to apply the idea to other things..
::: We’re coming up to Croydon West next week Ruth … we should talk!
