We work with numerous schools and educators who are gearing up to incorporate the fischertechnik STEM Lab Program into their classroom activities. But while we are understandably both very proud of, and excited about this new standards focused, project-based learning STEM education solution that combines comprehensive curriculum with the fischertechnik construction system, it is still only one part of what fischertechnik has to offer.

What makes fischertechnik unique?

Why is it used in so many schools and universities?

Unlike a lot of other construction sets, created by toy manufacturers, fischertechnik was created back in the 1960s by a German professor named Artur Fischer. Professor Fischer is a highly creative and prolific individual, who at last count has patented some 1080 different inventions. This statistic puts Professor Fischer right behind Thomas Edison in this area, as Edison held 1093 patents during his own lifetime. Many of the ideas patented by Professor Fischer were for the design of unique solutions used in the construction and automotive industries. Because of this unique background, he approached the creation of fischertechnik from the perspective of an engineer.  While other, ‘toy’ focused companies offered sets with blocks that simply stacked, Professor Fischer designed the core building block used in the fischertechnik system to be able to attach from all six sides, thus offering almost limitless design opportunities.

While these same manufacturers made blocks where the models would easily fall apart if moved, Fischer designed his system to snap, slide and lock together in a unique way that would insure the integrity of the models.  In addition, literally hundreds of other parts used in the fischertechnik system were designed to answer very specific construction needs, thus enabling the builder to design very economical, realistic and functional models. For these reasons, fischertechnik is especially prized for the creation of fully functional and realistic prototypes, not only for use in the classroom, but also in industry for creating simulations, as well as for vocational training.

Levels of Difficulty – fischertechnik System

The answer to this will depend upon the age range of the user, and what their interests are. The entry level for fischertechnik is age five, and that is with the Junior line. The Junior line allows you to build colorful and sturdy models that can be played with, and while the emphasis here is on having fun, they are also great for developing hand-eye coordination, as well as general motor skills.

The next level in fischertechnik is the Basic line, intended for users age 7 and above. Again, the emphasis is on having fun while building play-worthy models, but the parts used are more precise, and allow for more sophisticated and realistic designs than found in the Junior Sets. The Basic line consists of various small scale vehicles, from mini-motorcycles, to bulldozers, dragsters, and even solar powered models, as well as the ever popular “Cable Cars”, a mainstay of the line for many years.

For larger, more detailed models, there is the Advanced line. The Advanced line is also intended for builders age 7 and above, and this is where the emphasis is on creating both larger scale models, as well as the use of battery powered motors for motion. The models built with this line include large scale cranes and construction equipment, as well as fire trucks and Ferris Wheels. The models created are more realistic than those found in the Junior and Basic lines, and while the focus is still on fun, these sets are designed to provide an insight on how things work.

Next is the Profi line, designed for builders age 9 and above. These are among the most popular of the fischertechnik items, and here the focus is on exploring different aspects of science and technology. These sets are very popular for use in the classroom, as well as by homeschoolers. Each set focuses on a different topical area, such as renewable energy, physics, optical phenomena or fundamentals of engineering. Each set includes, in addition to detailed, full color assembly instructions, a special multi-language teaching and activity guide to help illustrate the concepts behind each model.

When it comes to specific sets to start off with, at the Junior and Basic level, whichever set appeals the most to the builder is a good place to start. With the Advanced line, a nice place to start is with the Universal 3 (#511931) set. This set includes a wide assortment of parts, and provides you with instructions for building 40 different models, from gears to windmills, and from trucks and cranes to airplanes and helicopters. When it comes to the Profi line, while each set focuses on a different aspect of technology, we would suggest starting with the Mechanics + Statics  (#93291) set. This is without a doubt, our most popular fischertechnik set, and it includes a thick instruction book for building 30 different models, everything from a working gearbox to various bridges. The focus is on learning how gears work and why things are built and braced the way they are. When it comes to the Robotics Line, the best places to start are with either the ROBO LT Beginner Lab (#508777) for age 8 and above, or the ROBO TX Training Lab (#505286), for age 10 and up. Each of these sets allows for building a range of robotic models, and also includes both the interface units and the software used to control your models, so that the only thing you will need to purchase in addition to get started is the Accu Set (#57487) rechargeable battery pack, which is the power source for these models. This is the best, and most economical way, to get started with fischertechnik robotics.

Next time, I’ll continue with some more answers to common fischertechnik questions. Until then, happy building!

Author: Lance Zurek