I currently have about 4 pairs of small needle nose pliers. Because of this, only a few students (who choose to give up their recesses!) are able to create with them. One has worked with me to create an original automaton crank toy (a boy jumping up and down on a trampoline). When students see his project, they ask why can't they create something like that themselves. They also ask all sorts of curious questions as to how it works. Then they begin telling me how they would create their own moving sculptures, if they had the chance.
If each student in a class had a set of basic, simple pliers, they would have the opportunity to create their own piston, crank style sculptures, also known as automaton. This fun problem-based project blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a natural, practical, real-world way, while creating a fun, silly, original sculpture. Though automaton crank toys are my dream for students to create, they are just one of many possible projects for these pliers.
Students are incredible engineers, when they are given the opportunity to design and build. Their school days all too often lack authenticity in this area. With these pliers, students can experiment in art class, year after year, and take their fearless approach to creating to a completely new level. With these pliers, students can develop confidence in their ability to use their own hands to create solutions to various problems. How cool is that?
About my class
I currently have about 4 pairs of small needle nose pliers. Because of this, only a few students (who choose to give up their recesses!) are able to create with them. One has worked with me to create an original automaton crank toy (a boy jumping up and down on a trampoline). When students see his project, they ask why can't they create something like that themselves. They also ask all sorts of curious questions as to how it works. Then they begin telling me how they would create their own moving sculptures, if they had the chance.
If each student in a class had a set of basic, simple pliers, they would have the opportunity to create their own piston, crank style sculptures, also known as automaton. This fun problem-based project blends Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a natural, practical, real-world way, while creating a fun, silly, original sculpture. Though automaton crank toys are my dream for students to create, they are just one of many possible projects for these pliers.
Students are incredible engineers, when they are given the opportunity to design and build. Their school days all too often lack authenticity in this area. With these pliers, students can experiment in art class, year after year, and take their fearless approach to creating to a completely new level. With these pliers, students can develop confidence in their ability to use their own hands to create solutions to various problems. How cool is that?
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