Another DIY project for BKIDS BLOG - but this time, its a toy employing simple mechanics to achieve fantastic results!
DIY: LONG-REACH GIZMO
Materials:
Cardboard
Brads (from office supply store)
Scissors or x-acto knife
Acrylic paint
________
First, I cut cardboard into 8”x2” strips and poked 3 holes in each strip. For hole placements, put one in the center and the other 2 on each outer side.
(To spark ideas, we started brainstorming toothy animal, robotic arm, and animal claws.)
We ultimately turned our “gizmo” into a crocodile and an angler fish by re-fashioning the upper and lower strips into the animal’s head. To do this, I sketched the upper and lower jaws on paper and cut them out first. I had to refine the design until the upper jaw and lower jaw fit together nicely when you pivot the two pieces from the center fulcrum. The final drawing of the animal’s head was traced onto cardboard and then cut with the x-acto knife.
Next, I painted on both sides of the cardboard.
Finally, I assembled “x” shapes together and fastened each cardboard strip together with brads.
You see just how easy it is? Its also great for little engineers who can get hands on with the concept of leverage and fulcrum. Isn't that what every 2 year old is asking for these days??
