Infinite Possibilities with Fischertechnik for STEM Education

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Greetings FT fans! This time around, I decided I would once again share a small sampling of videos which show some of the really intriguing devices you can build with fischertechnik that go above and beyond the models you’ll find in your instruction books.  I always like to use the sets, whether in a classroom or a personal setting, as a starting point—a method of learning your way around the fischertechnik construction system, and also for learning how the different subsystems included in the models—such as for example specific types of gears, or a color sorting mechanism—are addressed. Once you’ve done that, as with any good construction set, it’s time to go off the map into uncharted territory.

Essentially, this is how we see fischertechnik used in the classroom time and time again for STEM education. Students first learn how the ‘ft’ system works, then they learn the basic principles behind the subject they will be addressing (such as fundamentals of structures, or how various renewable energy forms are harnessed to do work), and then they are given the task of building a machine or device to address a certain problem or need related to that subject area. This of course requires the students not only use their knowledge and skill, but also their creativity, their critical thinking, planning, and a healthy dose of hands-on trial-and-error experimentation.

Anyway, without further adieu, here are this month’s models. First up is a great automated warehouse model, where parts are stored and retrieved as needed, and then dropped down a slide.

This model is made up of various parts from fischertechnik robotic sets in combination with parts found in the Profi (STEM Education) sets. Of course, I once again will mention that all fischertechnik parts from across the whole line… from the Junior sets to the Robotics and Programming sets, and from the old grey and red blocks of the 1960s to the multi-colored components of today—can be combined. Aside from some of the electronic parts, which of course may become obsolete and can get replaced with more efficient and powerful versions, all the plastic and nylon parts still work together.

Next we have one from  a series of ‘Kugelbahn” videos which have recently been posted to YouTube. Kugelbahn roughly translates as ‘ball course’, and this model is inspired  by the new fischertechnik ‘Profi Dynamic’ and “Advanced Rolling Action” sets, using some of those parts in combination again with parts found in the robotics line, all to create a very interesting automated machine for moving balls around a small square course:

My next video is a model of a steam engine. This is again created with a variety of parts found in the Profi and Robotics sets, and is powered by the all new fischertechnik compressor block, which you will find in the just released “ROBO TX ElectroPneumatic” and soon to be released “Profi Pneumatic 3” sets:

As a side note, I have to note the fluid motion that you are able to achieve with this new compressor block, which makes models such as this (or the Pinball machine model found in the previously mentioned ROBO TX  ElectroPneumatic set) possible. Anyone familiar with the older fischertechnik models will attest that the previous compressor unit was not nearly as powerful, and did not allow for the rapid repeating movements which can now be attained. This is a SIGNIFICANT upgrade for anyone working with fischertechnik pneumatic models.

 

Lastly, here is one more Kugelbahn model…this one once again combining parts from various Profi and Robotic sets along with a handful of blinking lights, such as may be found in the “PLUS Sound + Lightsaccessory set. Take the time to view the details, such as the mechanism that brings the metal balls to the platform so that they can be loaded into the ferris-wheel like transport device. Clearly, a lot of thought and creativity went into creating this model:

NOW IN STOCK:

Just a reminder that the first two new fischertechnik releases for 2012 are now in stock and ready to ship immediately:

Item #516183     Advanced Rolling Action        Buy Now

Item #516186     ROBO TX ElectroPneumatic      Buy Now

As always, you can purchase these sets, as well as all the other fischertechnik products, right from Studica, or from the fischertechnik website, located at www.fischertechnik.com

In the meanwhile, if you have any questions about these or any other fischertechnik items, please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected]. So as always, until we meet again, happy building!

Author: Lance Zurek

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