E-Fabrication · Unit 03
Mechanism Sampler
Motion + Mechanisms · Low tech
Today’s challenge
Build quick pivots, sliders, levers, wheels, and axles.
Grade 3 focusBuild and name one mechanism, then tune it through observation.
Grade 5 focusCombine mechanisms, measure reliability, and explain cause-and-effect failures.
Success example · inspiration, not a design to copy
Look closely. What makes this successful?
Pivots and linkages move freely, and arrows can show input and output motion.
What to do
- Understand. Read the challenge. Circle the important need, rule, or safety limit.
- Plan. Use the thinking spaces below before you begin making.
- Make. Build, model, code, practice, or investigate carefully with your team.
- Check. Use evidence—not guesses—to decide what worked.
- Improve or explain. Make one useful change or share your strongest conclusion.
Engineer’s thinking
1. What did you notice?
2. What rule, need, or problem matters today?
3. Draw or describe one example.
Evidence check
Show what you learned.
Your teacher will look for: A working mechanism sampler with arrows showing how motion travels.
My evidence
My next step
Exit reflection
Today I learned that because .
Next time I will .
How independently did I work?□ I needed coaching□ I worked with my team□ I can teach this skill