As we’ve discussed in the past, fischertechnik, the popular and versatile construction system from Germany, is ideal for allowing students to explore, hands-on, the principles behind how things work. Kits are available that address many different areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education, from physics to pneumatics, robotics to renewable energies, as well as fundamentals of gears, structures, bracing, simple machines, and so much more.  Each kit of course comes with instructions for building a specific number of models which address these principles—for example the ‘Da Vinci Machines’ set allows you to be build ten working models based on the famed inventors designs, and the set ‘Mechanic + Static’ shows you how to build 30 different models that illustrate fundamentals of engineering. Still I am sometimes asked, “Is that all you can build with these kits?”

The answer of course is that there is no limit to what can be built with fischertechnik! Like any good construction system, and fischertechnik is among the best available anywhere, the instructions in each box should be taken only as a starting point, a way to learn about how things work. Once you become familiar with the principles being taught, for example how and why certain types of structures are built and braced in a specific way, or how an electronic photocell works to activate a machine, then you should be able to take what you have learned and use it to create even more elaborate and advanced models. A search of ‘fischertechnik’ on YouTube will come up with numerous examples of students and hobbyists who have done just this. A prime example, of course, is the ‘Marble Sorter’ exercise which is conducted in numerous high schools across the country, using fischertechnik. In this exercise, students learn the fundamentals of creating certain subsystems, for example, how to create a machine that can move materials, or how to create another that can sort materials by color or size. Once they have mastered these smaller tasks, they are put into groups and asked to create—without any formal instructions—a machine to sort materials, in this case a small quantity of marbles—by color– within a specific time frame. The finished machines are judged and graded on numerous criteria, such as by how efficiently and effectively they are able to perform their function.

(a fischertechnik Tennis Ball elevator and ramp system)

(elaborate fischertechnik Industrial Simulation model)

The ‘Marble Sorter’ is only one example of this, and I have included a pair of videos above to give you a few other examples of the types of things you can do. The bottom line is, you shouldn’t be afraid to combine your fischertechnik kits, as well as what you do with them. Refine Da Vinci’s original designs by combing variations of a ‘Da Vinci Machines’ model with  sub-systems and components from the ‘Mechanics + Statics’ set, or build an updated version of one of the groundbreaking inventions included in the ‘Technical Revolutions’ set that is powered by renewable energy using parts from the ‘Oeco Tech’ set. If you’re more skilled in using fischertechnik, and would like to build something along the lines of the Marble Sorter or machines like those in the clips above, then you can get either the “fischertechnik Middle School” or “fischertechnik High School STEM Lab” kits, which contain a wide range of parts of every sort for building your own highly advanced creations.

And on a more fun note, there is also a great website called “Instructables”, which has plans for building lots of cool and simple fischertechnik models that you won’t find in your regular instruction books, things like scorpions or Eiffel Towers. You can check these out, as well as many other fun designs,  by clicking www.instructables.com. (Designs pictured are courtesy of ‘Instructables.com’)

On a related note…we will soon be announcing a series of contest geared to students of all ages to see how creative you can be with fischertechnik. We’re working on all the details right now, but we hope to have more info for you very soon. Lot’s of fun, great prizes, and the chance to show off to other fischertechnik fans and engineers. So start brainstorming & tinkering,  and keep your eyes open for more news very soon.

Until we meet again, happy building!!!