STEM Gear Tech

Making the basics of different types of gears understandable at secondary school!

17 exciting models are waiting to be explored by the technicians of tomorrow! Experiments can be carried out in a playful way using models such as a beam balance, a scissor lift gear or a windshield wiper and the exciting technology behind them can be explained. Of course, the various types of gears, such as a clock gear, various planetary gears or a differential gear, are also included. The concept is rounded off by the accompanying material, which is available online and freely accessible.

Number of students

2-4 per kit

Learning objectives

Realistic teaching of different gearbox types

Time required

Each task contains detailed time information for lesson structuring

Grade level

Secondary level

About the poduct

About the poduct

Didactic material

Didactic material

Find your retailer

Find your retailer

Topics and learning objectives

Topic

The central topic is the change in torque through a gearbox and thus its use as a "force amplifier". Gears such as pulleys, cardan shafts and planetary gears, which play an important role in practice, are introduced, designed and calculated.
Learning objectives:

Understanding the basics and applications of gearboxes as "power amplifiers"

Calculation of low-speed and high-speed gear ratios

Designing gearboxes to change the speed of movement and torque
Time required:

The construction of the gears should not take more than 10-20 minutes - assuming a little construction experience with the fischertechnik system. The time required to complete the thematic task is estimated at 10-20 minutes. All of the tasks are also suitable as group tasks. The results should then be briefly evaluated and discussed (5-10 minutes). As a rule, it should therefore be possible to complete each of the tasks within one lesson, assuming basic knowledge of gears (see primary school class set).

The experimental tasks expand on the topic. They are either intended as an extension of the topic (time required: approximately one additional lesson) or can be given to pupils who finish the thematic task early.

Further information