K'nex technology

Learners will build models from the K'NEX construction kit to help them to better understand the technology of everyday life, including structures and simple machines.

The learner will start by gaining familiarity with the K'NEX construction kit, by building two simple working models from instruction cards (e.g. seesaw, swing). The learner will then complete a series of nine "challenges", in which they must build a K'NEX model of an everyday structure or simple machine, without instructions (e.g. house, tower, bridge, crash helmet, car, roundabout, baby buggy, mousetrap, crane).

Learners will acquire the following knowledge, understanding and skills:

1. Understanding of the K'NEX construction kit.
2. Ability to work from instruction cards.
3. Understanding of basic structures (eg house, bridge, tower).
4. Understanding of simple machines (eg seesaw, swing, roundabout, crane).
5. Enhanced problem-solving skills.
6. Enhanced creativity skills.