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INVENT-A-MACHINE
Lesson Ideas and Activities 

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CURIOUS CONTRAPTIONS

Students design and test a whacky machine to be able to complete a particular task

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SIMPLE MACHINES

Explore the fundamentals of engineering by examining the six simple machines: the lever, the screw, the pulley, the wheel and axle, the wedge, and the inclined plane. Use our scavenger hunt to identify examples of simple and complex machines in your life.

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Joseph's Machines:
Joseph Herscher (aka Jiwi) is a kinetic artist who specializes in making comical chain-reaction machines.

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Wired - How Joseph's Machines Builds Crazy Contraptions:
The making of the lunch feeding machine

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The Rolling Ball Clock in Whangārei:
This special glass enclosed kinetic sculpture comprises 35 “bowling balls” running on stainless steel tracks.  They perform various physical motions like banked corners, loop the loop, ride in elevators etc  as well as telling the time via timing racks.

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35 Big Machines That Changed the World In Big Ways:
35 different machine inventions which changed the world in amazing ways

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Cool Contraptions:
Gadgets, gizmos and amazing machines 

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You can find more information about our education offerings by visiting our main MOTAT website or filling out our bookings form.

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