3/14/2012

Mark Senn

Interesting device, small part assembly

This device is made from very simple parts---battery, wires, small
electic motor, plastic gears, plastic parts, a metal weight, and metal
screws. I've got a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with
distinction and haven't figured out exactly how it works yet---it's
intriguing. Assembly instructions were easy to understand. It worked
with no problems. The only downside is assembling it is difficult if
you have trouble handling small parts, the screws are just 7.5mm long.

(Fourth and fifth graders will be assembling these at a Saturday
morning STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
program. They'll brainstorm about how it works and will answer
questions: (1) Will it work in total darkness? (2) Humans can't see
in total darkness so how can that theory be tested? Etc.)