Acadie Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 We went to a vintage toy exhibit, and it was an absolute blast to see how whimsical and fun older toys were, all while relying on simple machines and basic physics. Battery-powered toys seem so dull by comparison! It inspired me to put together a long unit on simple machines and making toys with my girls (10 and 6 yrs). Any favorite resources? I'm curious about books, videos, blogs, building sets, materials to have around, whatever! The vintage toy exhibit was at Roscoe Village in Coshocton, OH, if anyone is interested. Call ahead because that particular exhibit is only open limited hours. It's a private collection and you can't touch the toys on your own, but we had a fabulous guide who gave most of the kids a chance to work with a toy or two, and we got to see many of them in action. Thanks, Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I'm all ears because that sounds so very interesting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkacademy Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I would have no clue how to even start a study but it does sound really neat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 From childhood memories the mechanical toys without batteries are: Jack in the Box Musical box (using gears) Wind up mouse (springs) Wind up dolphin for bath tub (springs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Mechanic-Makes-Toys-Amusements/dp/1588166392 As the reviewers mentioned, the equipment assumed is dated, but there's enough in there that you CAN build that I still found it a fun resource. I actually bought this for my adult brother who loves tinkering and building. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisabees Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 (edited) Sounds like fun! There is a book called Teaching Physics with Toys. Hopefully that link worked. I'm on my phone. Edited October 21, 2012 by lisabees Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plink Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I have had this Lego simple machines book in my account for my son. I'm thinking it might be one of his Christmas presents this year along with this contraptions kit. I love the idea of doing a whole unit on making your own toys. How fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plink Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Are you sure the book doesn't go aside the Lego Simple Machine Set?That is the name of a Lego School Set here... It isn't designed for a specific set. It uses the Lego Technic pieces from all of the other sets that our boys collect and helps them to design new creations. Here is a parts list if you are curious. The contraptions kit just looked fun, and it has some unique pieces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmmaNadine Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 We have the Contraptions kit, and my son loves it. He's five, so he needs help assembling the different toys, but he definitely learns from each one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lily_Grace Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 Have you looked at The Toymaker? They're paper toys, but check out the moveable ones, the penny butterfly, and the squirrel wind especially. We've loved making several on there (especially when the Gizmo & Gadgets book gave instructions for similar ones) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acadie Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 Thank you so much for all these great resources! Looking at some of the books I realized we are more crafty than handy, so we'll do a wooden toy or two, but I'm happy to have the building set and papercraft ideas too. I want to open it up to my girls so they can choose projects--this is going to be so much fun! Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenvneck Posted October 30, 2012 Share Posted October 30, 2012 I have nothing to add to the original question, but I grew up in Ohio and my parents took my brother and I to Roscoe Village every summer for many years. I don't know if it's still there, but there was a campground within walking distance of Roscoe Village, on a dirt path, through a wooded area, where would camp for several days. Oh, my goodness, I can still picture myself learning how to use stilts, getting to operate a real (dry) lock, being mesmerized by weavers, watching the blacksmith bend metal using only heat and a hammer...thank you for the trip down memory lane!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipitous journey Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 (edited) This lacks the craftsmanship implied in the OP -- but I've had Carol McBride's Making Magnificent Machines for a while and am waiting for the children to grow into it (ie, to approach Logic age more closely). The book is for K-8 but with my perfectionist Button I'm holding out for his construction skills to improve a bit. also the OP mentioned that it's a crafty family? there are marvelous resources available for moving papercraft machines. Automata is the one I'd most like to use; this beautiful cut-and-assemble Carousel and Paper Models that Move are also likely-looking in terms of interesting & attractive. ETA: somehow missed Lily-Grace's papercraft suggestion in post #11 and the neat free resource she listed. Edited November 3, 2012 by serendipitous journey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmos Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Check out Rob Ives website, especially the mechanisms section, linked below. I haven't actually bought anything from his site, but I have been tempted to get a membership. And there is some free stuff available. http://robives.com/mechs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WIS0320 Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Legoeducation has a great Simple Machines course and kit. I think it includes 30 lesson plans. Our co-op is running the class right now and it is super fun and educational. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Kiddos Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Have you seen some of the ideas on Pinterest or the web? I have some simple machine ideas on this board on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/arabellajoy/boy-fun/ Also, my sons and I made these and they were so fun!!! http://spaghettiboxkids.com/blog/catapult-designs-for-kids/ Plus, have you seen these? http://www.design-your-homeschool.com/easy-science-experiments-machines.html http://www.teachengineering.org/view_curricularunit.php?url=collection/cub_/curricular_units/cub_simp_machines/cub_simp_machines_curricularunit.xml http://engineering.oregonstate.edu/momentum/k12/mar05/ Hope this helps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FairProspects Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Is there a "complex" machines book or course anywhere? We've done Lego simple machines, and catapults, marble runs, inclined planes, etc. and are about to do some engineering work with Lego mini-fig parachutes, but I don't really know where to take ds after this as far as building. Papercrafting is not his thing, but Davinci machines, models, and such are. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serendipitous journey Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 (edited) Is there a "complex" machines book or course anywhere? We've done Lego simple machines, and catapults, marble runs, inclined planes, etc. and are about to do some engineering work with Lego mini-fig parachutes, but I don't really know where to take ds after this as far as building. Papercrafting is not his thing, but Davinci machines, models, and such are. Any ideas? I've been looking at this daVinci book; and this 21 Projects for daVinci. This book on Basic Machines is a significant step up from "simple machines" so the title's a bit misleading-- see the first review by a Lego person who loves it. It seems to be aiming at teaching concepts that can be used on platforms of your choice ... Edited November 5, 2012 by serendipitous journey simple machines, papercraft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted November 3, 2012 Share Posted November 3, 2012 Is there a "complex" machines book or course anywhere? We've done Lego simple machines, and catapults, marble runs, inclined planes, etc. and are about to do some engineering work with Lego mini-fig parachutes, but I don't really know where to take ds after this as far as building. Papercrafting is not his thing, but Davinci machines, models, and such are. Any ideas? Has he already done the Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction books? BTW, our Hobby Lobby has a couple DaVinci models in the kits/education section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlgirl Posted November 6, 2012 Share Posted November 6, 2012 And this is why this is the only homeschool board I belong to! I am going to have to incorporate this into our studies. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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