Learning material

STEM Mechanics
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Making the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and physics understandable and sustainable!

How does a cardan drive or planetary gear work? What makes a triangle the most stable shape in statics? And how can a hoist or a scissor hoist gearbox be designed? The STEM Mechanics learning module provides answers to these and many other basic questions of mechanics and statics - clearly, practically and with a strong reference to the students’ life.

Number of students
2-4 per kit
Learning objectives
Understand basic mechanical principles, analyse and apply transmission types, understand statics and force balance, develop technical applications from everyday life, develop measurement methods and problem-solving skills
Time required
15 - 45 min per task. Each task can be completed within one lesson
Age group
Secondary school
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Introduction to the topic

  • Mechanical basics such as levers, rollers, inclined planes or cables
  • Different transmission types, e.g. planetary gears, differential gears, manual transmissions
  • Static systems: Tensile and compressive forces, balance of forces, bridge structures
  • Everyday technology such as windscreen wipers, cardan drive or scissor lift gears
  • Practical measuring methods using the self-built spring scale

The learners acquire a deep understanding of mechanical and technical relationships through practical work. The set not only imparts expertise, but also strengthens problem-solving skills, creativity and teamwork. Online materials provide additional information, exercises and teaching tips for the classroom.

STEM Mechanics is suitable for guided and unguided teaching - ideal for the STEM field from intermediate to secondary level II. It appeals particularly to students who are passionate about technology and who are interested in mechanical engineering and engineering sciences.

Models and tasks

 

  • Model 1: Beam Balance (lever)

    To determine the weight of an item, we need to know the relationship of the weight to a specified reference or
    unit value. This is achieved by bringing two movable levers into balance. The reference weight is then mapped using a suitable scale.

     

    Tasks Model 1

    Solutions Model 1

  • Model 2: Pulley block

    One of the oldest gearboxes is the hoist. Without him, the impressive stone buildings of ancient times would never have emerged. On Hoisting amplifies the force by distributing the lift over several rope slings. The work performed - lifting a weight - remains the same, but requires longer pulling (with less force).

     

    Tasks Model 2

    Solutions Model 2

     

  • Model 3: Crank-push scissors

    Drives usually generate a rotating movement. However, a back and forth movement is often required for the output. This can be achieved with crank arms, a scissor lift and push cranks. Thrust cranks play a central role in combustion engines as a “crankshaft”: They convert the thrust movement of the piston rod into a rotational movement of the output shaft.

     

    Tasks Model 3

    Solutions Model 3

     


  • Model 4: Cardan shaft

    Sometimes the input and output shafts of a transmission are neither aligned nor parallel to each other, but instead collide at a blunt angle. Then the direction of movement of the shaft must be changed. This can be achieved with a cardan transmission, also as
    universal joint.

     

    Tasks Model 4

    Solutions Model 4

     

  • Model 5: Manual transmission

    Transmissions with variable gear ratio are called manual transmissions. They are required in vehicles with internal combustion engines, as these engines only operate efficiently in a limited engine speed range. A manual transmission allows the speed of the drive axle to be adjusted to the desired the speed of the output shaft.

     

    Exercises Model 5

    Solutions Model 5

  • Model 6: Planetary gear

    Gearboxes are particularly suitable for many practical applications in which the movement change takes place coaxially, i.e. the input and output shafts are aligned. They are compact, easy to install and easy to combine.

     

    Tasks Model 6

    Solutions Model 6


  • Model 7: Differential gear

    Without a differential, no car could drive around a tight bend - it allows the wheels of a driven rigid axle
    to rotate at different speeds.

     

    Tasks Model 7

    Solutions Model 7

     

  • Model 9: Tower

     

    Tasks Model 9

    Solutions Model 9

  • Model 10: Half-timbering

     

    Tasks Model 10

    Solutions Model 10

  • Model 11: Half-timbered house

     

    Tasks Model 11

    Solutions Model 11

  • Model 12: Bridge, beam bridge

     

    Tasks Model 12

    Solutions Model 12

  • Model 13: Double-sided lever

     

    Tasks Model 13

    Solutions Model 13

  • Model 14: Windshieldwiper-concurrent

     

    Tasks Model 14

    Solutions Model 14

  • Model 15: Windshield wiper - counter-rotating

     

    Tasks Model 15

    Solutions Model 15

  • Model 16: Parallel windshield wiper

     

    Tasks Model 16

    Solutions Model 16

  • Model 17: Eccentric press

     

    Tasks Model 17

    Solutions Model 17

  • Model 18: Toggle press

     

    Tasks Model 18

    Solutions Model 18

  • Model 19: Inclined plane with small force gauge

     

    Tasks Model 19

    Solutions Model 19

  • Model 20: Centrifugal force

    Centrifugal force is created by the inertia of a body during rotational or circular movements. It acts radially from the axis of rotation to the outside. We often experience them in everyday life: In the chain carousel, the seats are pushed outwards, the water flies outwards in the salad spinner, and a bike rider has to lie down in the bend to compensate for the force.

     

    Tasks Model 20

    Solutions Model 20

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