Design Challenges and Suggested Materials

Leonardo's Challenges

• Design a gripping device at the end of a rope that will automatically lock onto a load when it is lifted, but will automatically release when the load reaches its destination.
• Design a machine to push away the scaling ladders of invaders trying to get inside a castle without exposing the castle dwellers to danger.
• Design a machine that allows a person to make giant wings flap by pedaling with his/her feet.

Modern Challenges

• Design a machine that pours standard amounts of cereal and milk into a bowl. (The group will need to decide what these amounts should be.)
• Design a machine to trap squirrels who visit a bird feeder and release them safely on the other side of a wall.
• Design a machine to automate the process of squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush.

Be Inventive! Suggested Materials for Models:

• String
• Masking tape
• Cardboard
• Plastic straws
• Dowels or pencils
• Weights
• Rubber bands
• Brass fasteners
• Pulleys or spools to make them from
• Pipe cleaners
• Small pieces of wood or craft sticks
• A variety of boxes for supports and containers
• Paper
• Glue
• Scissors

Students may find gears, pulleys, and other machine elements in toys such as Legos®, K’NEX®, and Tinker Toys®