K'NEX in the ICT curriculum

K'NEX can be used very effectively to broaden the value of computer-based work, by completing K'NEX IT projects that include both a K'NEX building element and an IT element.

Examples of popular K'NEX IT projects include:

Ask pupils to build a K'NEX car, investigate how far the car will travel down a ramp set at different angles, record the data collected into a spreadsheet and finally produce graphs and charts.

Use Flowgo to carry out K'NEX Computer control projects.

Use the Focus Design & Create CDROM to carry out K'NEX IT projects.

Use the free Westpoint Bridge designer software to design a truss bridge on the screen, and then build the bridge and test it using K'NEX.

Computer control with Flowgo

K'NEX can be used very effectively for computer control, by using control interfaces such as Flowgo.

Many schools have already invested in such equipment, which can be used to:

control K'NEX motors attached to models
control other output devices attached to the model, such as lights and buzzers
detect input from sensors, which can be used to further refine the operation of the model

Further information on Flowgo may be found in our K'NEX shops, and the IT activities page contains some good examples of K'NEX computer control projects that you might like to carry out.

Focus Design & Create CDROM

Designed as a teaching aid and student research tool for project work, the Focus on Design & Create CDROM aims to stimulate pupil interest in technology through the use of 3D animations, photos, text, videos and activities.

The CDROM is used by:

Primary schools at KS1 and lower KS2
Community IT centres
Children's computer clubs
Family IT programmes
Home users

The CDROM can be used solely as an online tool, or when used in conjunction with the K'NEX Design and Create set, you can actually build all the different K'NEX models featured. The CDROM contains teaching materials developed specifically for use with QCA schemes of work. The Units covered are:

Moving Pictures
Playgrounds
Homes
Vehicles
Winding Up
Moving Monsters
Photograph Frames

A Wordsearch Module reinforces the learning of all the key technical vocabulary and a set of worksheets guides supports the teaching of each project area. An integrated 2D drawing module helps students to design and decorate their designs. The unique 3D Construction Module also shows step-by-step how to assemble each and every model in the Design and Create kit.

The CDROM has been developed by UK company Focus Educational Software, who are well-known for their award-winning educational CDROMs.

KNEX resources > Curriculum > ICT


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