Mechanical Toys

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http://www.shambles.net

Mechanical Toys

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Auotomata paper kits
http://www.cool4cats.biz
We make a range of amazing 'cut and assemble' model kits. See Kong climb the skyscraper! See the amazing walking terror robot! These, and many more can be built from our range of models...

The Incredible Machine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Incredible_Machine
The Incredible Machine
The Incredible Machine is a series of computer games originally designed and coded by Kevin Ryan and produced by Jeff Tunnell, developed by now-defunct Jeff Tunnell Productions and published by Dynamix; the 1993 through 1995 versions had the same development team, but the later 2000-2001 titles had different designers. All versions were published by Sierra Entertainment.
The general objective of the games is to create a series of Rube Goldberg devices: arrange a given collection of objects in a needlessly complex fashion so as to perform some simple task (for example, "put the ball into a box" or "light a candle").
Available objects ranged from simple ropes and pulleys to electrical generators, bowling balls and even cats and mice. The levels usually have some fixed objects that cannot be moved by the player, and so the only way to solve the puzzle is carefully arrange the given objects around the fixed items.

CeraCera
http://www.ceracera.com/
CeraCera
We design fascinating ,easy to build moving paper model and automata kits that you can make with card stock. Each model come with illustrated instruction and require only simple tools.
Simply cut out the pieces, score and fold along the line, glue and assemble the parts together.
Once completed, turn the handle and see your creation comes to life!
We now have all CeraCera Automata models as digital download kits (each about US$4)

Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
http://www.cabaret.co.uk/
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
A Museum of Automata (Mechanical Sculpture)
A collection of contemporary automata, which is a kind of mechanical sculpture. Nearly all of the work in the collection is humourous.

Paper Machines
http://www.walterruffler.de/index1.html
Paper Machines
Automata made out of Paper | Card cut-outs and templates to glue (for sale) | excellent gallery of examples |

Automata and Mechanical Toys
http://www.mechanical-toys.com/
Automata and Mechanical Toys
This site introduces you to the world of Automata and is packed with information to help you make your own working models from wood, card and metal. Sometimes referred to as Mechanical Toys or Kinetic Art, they are marvelous small machines that utilize most of the mechanical processes which can be found in almost every modern machine employing cams, gears, ratchets and cranks.
"TEACHERS" We are now able to offer interactive CD-ROM'S as a classroom resource.
They satisfy the requirements for using ITC in the delivery of D&T, are fun, informative and will really help get pupils interested and motivated and make your life easier.

Design and Test
http://www.forgefx.com/casestudies/prenticehall/
Free online interactive multimedia 3D resource designed for a middle grades science programs.
This project simulates the Design and Test process through the development of a virtual paintball catapult. The student must build catapults capable of performing a variety of tasks, stay within the allotted budget, and interpret test results to fine tune their design.
Design and Test

Science Toys
http://www.shambles.net/pages/learning/ScienceP/sctoys/
Science Toys

Definitions of Simple Machines (Franklin Institute)
http://sln.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/
Definitions of Simple Machines (Franklin Institute)
A machine is a tool used to make work easier. Simple machines are simple tools used to make work easier. Compound machines have two or more simple machines working together to make work easier.

The Elements of Machines
http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/InventorsToolbox.html
The Elements of Machines
These devices were all in common use for centuries before Leonardo's time. Each one makes work easier to do by providing some trade-off between the force applied and the distance over which the force is applied.
Classroom Activity: Sketching Gadget Anatomy
Wheel and Axle | Pulley System | Wedge | Screw | Lever | Gears | Rack and Pinion | Cam | Chains and Belts | Crank and Rod | Ratchet |

Simple Machines
http://www.42explore.com/smplmac.htm
Simple Machines
A simple machine is a device that helps make work easier; a device that makes it easier to move something. Some simple machines are a wheel, a pulley, a lever, a screw, and an inclined plane.