Leonardo da Vinci’s idea was simple: if he could understand
each separate machine part for simple machines, then
he could build more complex machines that could help
people. He was the first person to systematically explain
the operation of machines, and the combination of simple
machines together to form more complex ones. His skillful
drawings can still be used today as blueprints to create
perfect working models of machines—almost 500 years
later.
Leonardo invented and designed an incredible number
of machines that many people thought were crazy. We
still use many of his simple and complex machine ideas
today. Among his many inventions were a water lift,
a helicopter with complete landing gear, a machine gun,
and a catapult. All of these were far ahead of their
time. Leonardo’s inventions used a variety of simple
machines strung together, such as pulleys, wheels, axles,
wedges, screws, levers, and gears.
Your students can invent their own crazy mechanical
systems with the 450 unique parts included in our Universal
Kit from fischertechnik. The Fun Park Kit teaches simple
machines through the technology of amusement rides,
as kids build three gigantic fairground models.
No matter what you teach—whether it’s industrial arts,
technology education, science, or home school—your students
will love using the experiential learning activities
that are featured in our technology curriculum modules.
