This is the second part of our CONNETIX STEM series which follows on from the first which was a step by step guide of how to make our Magic Answer Machine.
In our house we love creating Connetix machines! This blog is all about how to create a cutting machine.
Connetix Tiles are an amazing STEM toy. STEM toys are educational toys designed to promote learning and development in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Connetix Tiles are crafted to engage children in hands-on activities that stimulate their curiosity and help them develop important skills while playing.
Here are some reasons why STEM toys such as Connetix Tiles are beneficial for children:
1. Learning through play: STEM toys make learning fun and engaging, allowing kids to explore STEM concepts in a playful and enjoyable way.
2. Critical thinking: They encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills as children tackle challenges and overcome obstacles.
3. Hands-on experience: STEM toys provide hands-on experiences that help kids grasp abstract concepts and develop practical skills.
4. Creativity and imagination: Many STEM toys encourage creativity and imagination by allowing children to design and build their projects.
Let's get building!
Here is a quick how to video or you can keep scrolling down below for a step by step guide.
For this creation you need the following shapes by Connetix Tiles:
- 1 baseplate
- 18 squares
- 2 ballrun connector tiles
- 1 4-piece rectangle
- 3 isosceles triangles
- 2 gates
- 2 windows
- 1 cardboard tube (a paper towel roll for example with paper strips taped to it)
Step 1: Start with the baseplate and create a cube on the far left and far right
side. (don’t add a top) The cubes should have 2 empty squares between them.
Step 2: Add another level to the cubes, but leave the inner tile out.
Step 3: Add one ballrun connector piece to the tower and slide in the cardboard tube.
Step 4: Slide the next ballrun connector piece onto the tube, and put it in place on the second tower. Then add the 4 rectangle piece over the top.
Step 5: Place the 3 triangles on their side in front of the towers, they should be on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th magnets line. These are the base of your ramp.
Step 6: Add four squares to create the ramps. Once you have done this check if your paper strips are sliding over the middle parts of the tiles.
Step 7: Add a gate piece over the top tile of the ramp, the paper strip should sit under the gate and should be able to slide back and forth.
Step 8: Add the window pieces on the lower part of the ramp. The paper strip sits under the top part of the window and then goes up through the window part. It will be too tight if you place it under both parts. (alternatively you can use gate pieces here too).
You’re done!
We have made this cutting machine many times, and Benji always love it. The content of the strips changes all the time. When he was little we started with coloured dots he would cut out and sort, and we’re now mostly doing number sentences.
Some other ideas are:
- Animal stickers; sort in land and water
- Vehicles; land, water, sky
- Capital letters and lower keys sorting
- Numbers; even/odd
- High frequency words/ rhyming words
- Spelling words - fill the missing letters
The list is endless and it really depends on your childs age, interest and ability. Sometimes I add the answer to the back, so Benji can check his answers himself. (This works well for numbersentences and spelling words).
We usually create some sort of answering/sorting box too. These vary depending on the activity and how many options there are. For this last machine I created this one pictured below.
You'll need these pieces to create one like mine or you can get creative with anything else you have!
We hope you love this idea, and we can’t wait to see your version!
Don’t forget to share them with us :)
Written by Lisa from @labyrinths.and.lovehearts