All pupils in Primary 6 across the Learning Partnership have been learning the basics of structural design and technology using K’nex. The schools then hosted their own school’s challenge and the winning pairs headed off to Kilmarnock Academy for the Partnership challenge – a closely guarded secret until the event.

Design an Astro-Fitness machine!

The scenario

It is very important for astronauts to stay fit and healthy but that can be difficult in space. Zero gravity means that astronauts float around the spacecraft, without using their muscles or burning any energy. Spacecraft must be fitted with specialised exercise machines that allow the astronauts to train in zero gravity. The astronauts are relying on you to design and make a model of a running machine that can be used in space from your K’Nex.

The challenge:

To build a running machine for the astronauts.  The exercise machine must let the astronaut run continuously but remember, room is limited on the shuttle.

Your machine must:

• Be between 20 to 30cm tall and 15 to 20cm wide
• Have a moving mechanism you can turn by hand or by some other method
• Include a way to stop the astronaut floating away from the machine

Things to think of

Remember to discuss and plan your design.

How will you make your machine strong and stable enough?

How will you secure the astronaut to the machine to stop him floating away?

How will you build your moving mechanism?

Inspiration

There are lots of different ways to build a running machine. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking. Exercise machines such as a treadmill, a conveyor belt, an adult-sized version of a hamster wheel or a roundabout in a playground. 

The winners and runners up were both Kirkstyle pairs!

Well done goes to Jade Cunningham and Megan Donnelly who will represent Kilmarnock in June at the East Ayrshire area challenge. Reserves for the event are the runners up pair of Greg Hillan and Adam Green.