Rocking Horse challenge
Have you ever sat on a rocking horse, and rocked happily backwards and forwards? Have you ever thought about how rocking horses are made?
Levels of difficulty:
Level 1 - Make a model of a horse for a doll to sit on.
Level 2 - As level 1, with reins and a saddle that can be taken on and off
Level 3 - As level 2, and add rockers so that it rocks back and forth
Equipment: K’NEX set, plus a plus a doll about 30cm high.
Approach: How could you make a horse out of K’NEX? How will you make the body? And the head? And the legs? Can you make it the right size and shape for your doll to sit on? For level 2, what shape and size of saddle will you need? How can you fasten reins on to the horse’s head? For level 3, what shape will the rockers need to be? What K’NEX rods and connectors will be required?
Handy Hints (please click to view):
A2 - 3 ways to connect K'NEX rods and connectors
Teachers' Notes
The aim of the project is to consider how a model of a horse could be designed and built, and also to make it rock.
Possible solution: See photo.
Before starting: If possible, look at a picture or real example of a rocking horse.
Conclusion: See which horse rocks for longest, and discuss why.
Copyright © Andy Shercliff 1996 and K'NEX User Group 2004
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