Constructopedia

-beta version 1 (1/29/04)-

Tufts University, 2004

Created by Kaitlyn Conroy

Models Contributed by Kaitlyn Conroy, Paul Nangeroni,
Meghan Cain, David Adamek

Stationary Legos
HOW TOKey Words:
Build a sturdy Structure
Brace your Structure
Change Axis on your structure

Stationary Legos

Building a Sturdy Structure

The keys to building a Sturdy Structure are as follows:
1. Use Interconnecting bricks-when you interconnect your bricks, the
structure will not fall apart when you move it.
2. Flick Test: Test the durability of your structure with a simple flick of your
finger. If the structure falls apart, look at the structure you built and see
what was the weakest point, try to mend this problem simply. (This step
should be repeated throughout the building process).
3. Drop Test: Finally test your project by dropping it (knee high, waist high,
chest high). Making this into a competition is often fun for children to see
who can build the strongest structure, but make sure that you discuss why
the structure that won was strong. (Also be sure to take some pictures
before conducting this test as losing work is often tragic if you do not have
any sort of back up).

Stationary Legos

Step 1 Interconnecting beams

1
3

Building a Sturdy Structure

Stationary Legos

Step 2 Flick Test

Building a Sturdy Structure

Stationary Legos

Step 3 Drop Test

Building a Sturdy Structure

Stationary Legos

Bracing
In order to sufficiently brace your
structure you want to use 2X plates
to keep the structure square. Also
using black (with friction) or gray
connectors will help to keep your
beams together.

Key Words:
2X plates, Black/gray connectors

Stationary Legos

Bracing
Each stud on the plate or
beam acts like a finger,
and the more fingers you
have touching the part, the
better your grip!

Key Words:
2X plates

Stationary Legos

Bracing
Black connector pegs are used
when you do not want the beams
to slide back and forth and you
want the structure to remain
square. Gray connector pegs do
not have friction so they can slide
within the hole in the beam

Key Words:
Black/gray connectors

Stationary Legos

Bracing
1

Using black connector pegs

keeps your beams together
firmly without adding anything
to the top of bottom of the beam
structure.

Key Words:
Black/gray connectors

Sturdy Structures:

Bracing with beams

Pieces:

x2

x2

x4

x2

Sturdy Structures:

Bracing with beams

Pieces:
x3
x2

Stationary Legos

Changing Axis
Bevel Gear

Toggle Joint

Crown Gear

Changing axis with beams

Key Words:
Bevel Gear, Crown Gear, Toggle
Joints, Beams

Changing Axis:

Stationary Legos

Bevel Gear
Pieces:

Key Words:
Bevel

Changing Axis:

Stationary Legos

Crown Gear
Pieces:

x2

x2

Key Words:
Crown Gear

Changing Axis:

Stationary Legos

Toggle Joint
Pieces:
6

Type
1Key
Words:
1

x2

x3
x2

Type
2Key
Words:

Pieces:
x2

Note: This type of toggle

joint can lock into position
at an arbitrary angle.

x2
6

x2

Sturdy Structures

Stationary Legos

Changing Axis Using Beams

Pieces:
x2

x4

Moving Parts

Building Vehicles
Building Animals
Artistic Lego Adventures
Smart Structures
Miscellaneous

Moving Parts

Building a Vehicle

How to Attach Motors

Pieces:

Due to the curved bottom of the motor it is sometimes difficult

to build structures with motors. For this reason we have
constructed a typical motor housing as shown above.

Also when adding motors to a project you want to be

sure to attach the wires before building on top of the
motor. The top of each motor has a wire gulley which
the wire should fit through and still be able to have a
lego piece on top.

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

How to Attach Motors

Pieces:

On either side of the motor there are slots which are

very helpful when you do not have room to build the
motor housing shown previously. Instead you can slide
in the piece shown at the right which then connects to
any lego piece above or below it.

Building a Vehicle

Wheels:

Moving Parts

How to choose the right wheel for the right job

Add tractor
treads

Building a Vehicle

Wheels:

Moving Parts

How to choose the right wheel for the right job

Medium wheel: This is a great
all purpose tire. Well suited for
most building projects.
Wide wheel: This tire is good
for traction. In general the wider
the tire, the better grip it has to
the road. This is helpful when
pulling loads or climbing hills.
Thin wheels and skid plates:
These work best when there is
little weight on them. Skid
plates are especially helpful in
stabilizing 2 wheel cars

Small wheels: These

are best for small cars,
but can be used in
place of a medium
wheel if need be.

Large wheels: These

wheels are great for
big projects, or to
make fast cars. In
general, the larger the
wheel the faster the
car will go, however,
larger wheels also
have slower
acceleration.

Building a Vehicle

Wheels:

Moving Parts

How many wheels should I use?

4 Wheels: Use four wheels when
your vehicle will only be going
forward. Do not use four wheels
if you want your vehicle to turn
easily. (ex. Snail Car Race).
2 Wheels: Use two wheels and a
skid plate when you want your
vehicle to turn easily and it is not
too heavy that the skid plate
would cause too much friction.

3 Wheels: Use three wheels with a swivel

wheel in the front or back when you want
your structure to turn easily. While swivel
wheels can be hard to construct, the
benefits due to the turning ability and the
ability to hold more weight is great.

Note: When trying to build a car that turns both

directions, goes in reverse, and can turn on a
dime; you want to use two motors.
If your car only needs to go forward or reverse,
one motor is sufficient.

Building a Vehicle

Gearing Up

Moving Parts

Pieces:

x2
6

Key Words:
Gearing up, Driver, Follower

Building a Vehicle

Gearing Down

Moving Parts

Pieces:

x2

Key Words:
Gearing down, Driver, Follower

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Multiple Gears
Pieces:

x4

x2
5

x4

x2

x2

Note: Heres an example of how some

of the more common gears mesh
together. There are many other options
for meshing these gears as well.

Building a Vehicle

Pulley

Moving Parts

Pieces:

USES:
Pulleys, like gears, can be used to change axle speeds. In fact, pulleys
can sometimes be an easier to use than gears, if the axles they connect
to are in hard to reach places.

Building a Vehicle

Pieces:

Pulley
Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building a Vehicle

Special Gears
Cam

Bevel Gear

Worm Gear

Moving Parts

Differential

Gear Rack

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Bevel Gear
Pieces:

Key Words:
Bevel

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Cam
Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Cam
Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Cam
Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Cam
Pieces:

RoboLab ProgramKey
Words:
This program switches the
direction wheel spins every time
the touch sensor is pressed.

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Differential
Pieces:

Uses:

With wheels attached to each axle of the differential, a device is made

that turns more easily. If other gears and a motor are attached to the differential
itself, a mechanical gear selector can be made.

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Worm Gear
Two easy ways to use the worm gear:

With Gear Box

Without Gear Box

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Worm Gear: With Gear Box

Pieces:

Uses: The worm gear generates lots of

torque. Therefore, even though its turns
slowly it can be used to lift heavy loads, or
move big cars.

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Worm Gear: With Gear Box

Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Worm Gear: With Gear Box

Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Worm Gear: Without Gear Box

Pieces:

Uses: The worm gear generates lots of

torque. Therefore, even though its turns
slowly it can be used to lift heavy loads, or
move big cars.

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Worm Gear: Without Gear Box

Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Worm Gear: Without Gear Box

Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Train Pieces:

Moving Parts

Gear Rack

Track Pieces:

Uses: The gear rack can be used, often

with a worm gear, to make trains, move
arms, or lift objects.

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Gear Rack: Train

Train Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Gear Rack: Train

Train Pieces:

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Gear Rack: Track

Track Pieces:

Key Words:
Put the train on the track,
attach an RCX, and watch it
go!

Building a Vehicle

Moving Parts

Crown Gear
Pieces:

x2

Key Words:
Crown Gear

Building an Animal

Animal Parts

Moving Parts

Key Words:
Flywheel, crank, gear rack, pulley,
(football shaped gear)

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Building a beak or jaws

Pieces:
x2
8
x2
x10

Building an Animal

Making Wings

Moving Parts

Pieces:

Key Words:
Flywheel, crank, gear rack, pulley,
(football shaped gear)

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Walking Legs
Pieces:
x5

x3
x3

x2
x5

x2

Building an Animal

Moving Parts

Walking Legs

Pieces:

x2

x3

x2

x3

x5

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Making a Tail
Pieces:
x2

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Fly Wheel
Pieces:

x2

x2

x2
x2

x6

Key Words:
Flywheel

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Making Eyes
Pieces:
x2

x2
x2

x2

Building an Animal

Building a tongue

Moving Parts

Pieces:

Key Words:
Flywheel, crank, gear rack, pulley,
(football shaped gear)

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Common Animals

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Building a Penguin
2

Pieces:
x2

x2

x3
x9
x3
x15

x2
6X16

Building an Animal

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Giraffe

Pieces:

Connect wires to ports A and C

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Pieces:

10
Pieces:

Building
an Animal
Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

11

Building an Animal

Giraffe

Moving Parts

Slide the neck onto the axle

12

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

13

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

14

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

15

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Giraffe

Moving Parts

16

Building an Animal

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

10

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

11

Building an Animal

Pieces:

Frog

Moving Parts

12

Building Kinetic Sculptures

In order to do this project you

should review the following
concepts:

Catapult

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult

Moving Parts

Pieces:

18 Rope

Lego Band

Rubber Band

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Arm

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Arm

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Arm

Pieces:

Leave the other end of the

rubber band loose for now

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Right Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Right Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Right Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Right Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Right Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Right Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Note: Wire should be at

4-6 long. Leave the other
end loose for now.

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Left Side

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

24

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

33

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Catapult: Ammo Loader

Pieces:
These arms will connect the
ammo loader to the rest of
the catapult.

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Moving Parts
36

Insert the axles from the

arms of the ammo loader into
the green bricks on the back
of the catapult

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Moving Parts

Pieces:

The final pin to attach the ammo loader

goes through the last hole on the
catapult just below the smooth plates to
the hole on the ammo loader just below
the sloped brick. When connected and
secured on each end with a bushing,
the ammo loader will be at an angle to
the rest of the catapult.

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Moving Parts
38

Side view
Bottom view

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Pieces:

Lego rubber bands

Moving Parts

Note: When the motor is in the position

above, the lever arm should be locked
into the differential gear. When the motor
is turned halfway, the lever should be
free from the differential. If this is not the
case, readjust the bands.

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Wiring

Pieces:

Wiring Guide
Port 1 connects to the touch sensor under the arm.
Port 3 connects to the touch sensor on the rcx.
Port A connects to the motor on the front of the catapult.
Port B connects to the motor on the ammo loader
Port C connects to the motor on the middle of the catapult

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Pieces:
18 string

The sting is tied at one end to

the angled arm and at the other
end to the yellow cylinder.

Moving Parts

41

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Assembly

Moving Parts
42

Pieces:

These white wheels will serve as the

ammo, they slide into the loader as
shown.

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Catapult: Final Notes

1. Make sure that when the
arm is pulled down, the
sloped brick hits the touch
sensor.
2. The gears on the ammo
loader work best if they are
in the position shown.

How it works:
When the program below is run, the firing arm will
wind down until touch sensor 1 is pressed. Then,
motor A will stop and a single white wheel will be
moved from the loader onto the arm. When touch
sensor 2 is pressed, motor C will move. This will
pull the firing lever, and release the arm. The
catapult will then reload itself automatically.

Moving Parts

43

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Building a Music Box

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Building a Music Box

Moving Parts

Pieces: BOX

x2

x38
x3
x2
x21
x4

x2

x21
x5

7
x17
x4

x4

x4

x4

x3

x3

x2

48x48 plate
x3

x4

8 x4
x4
10

x3
12

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:
1

x16
x17
x17

48X48 plate

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:
x2

x4

x2

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:
x2

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:

7
x4

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

8

Pieces:
10

x2

12
x3

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

10

Pieces:
x2

x4

2 views

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

11

Pieces:
8

12

x2
x2

x2

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:

13

14

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

15

Pieces:
x4

16

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

17

Pieces:
x2

x2

18

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:

19

x2

Note: From this point, you can build one of two tops. The
first top will just open and the second top is motorized to
open when the music box has been cranked.

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Building a Music Box

Pieces: TOP #1
x10

x36

x22

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:

20
x36

21
x20

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:

x10

22

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Building a Music Box

Pieces: TOP #2
10
x2

x2
12
x2
x16

x6

x2

x2
6
7

x2

Moving Parts

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

20

Pieces:
x2

10
12
x9

21

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

22

Pieces:

x4

10
x7

12

23

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:

24
7

25

x2

Key Words:
Rotation Sensor

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

26

Pieces:
x6

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

27

Pieces:
x2

28
6

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Moving Parts

Building a Music Box

Pieces:

29

x2

Note:
At this point, tie a piece of string from the
wheel to the 6 stud beam on the top.

Building Kinetic Sculptures

Building a Music Box

Moving Parts

Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Garage

Pieces:
x3

x10

x2

x2
x4

x2

x8

x2
5

x2

x8
x5
x6
x6

x2
x2

x26

x10

Key Words:
x5

x5

Gear rack

Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Garage

Pieces:
1
x26

Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Garage

Pieces:
x10

4
x5
x5

Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Garage

Pieces:

x5

Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Garage

Pieces:
x3

x4

Smart Structures

Pieces:
x10

2x

Moving Parts

Garage
9

2x

10

Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Garage

Pieces:

11
x2

x2

12

Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Garage Door
13

14

x8

x6
x8

x6

15

Key Words:
Gear Rack

16

Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Garage
17

Building Smart Structures

In order to do this project you

should review the following
concepts: multiple gears,
using a worm gear, gearing
down

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock

Moving Parts

Pieces:

Note: This project

New hole

requires the use of a

custom made piece. Using
a standard 40-tooth gear
and a 13/16 drill bit, make
a smooth hole through the
cross at the center of a 40
tooth gear. (see picture)

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Housing

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Housing

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Housing

Moving Parts

Pieces:

Note: Attach one end of the wire to port A at

this time, leave the other end loose for now.

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Gearing

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Gearing

Pieces:

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Gearing

Pieces:

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Gearing

Pieces:

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Gearing

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Gearing

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock: Gearing

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Attach the other

end of the wire to
the motor.

Clock

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Clock

To change the time:

Pull out and turn the
two gears to the right
and left of the custom
gear to change the
hour and minute
hands.

Note: This clock is designed to keep

reasonably accurate time for motors that
spin at 360rpm. Most lego motors spin at
this speed, however, some may vary.

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:
x9

x4

x2

x4

x2

16X
16

8
10
x6

12

x2
x2
x2
x2
x4

48X48

x10
x2

Key Words:

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

x2

3
x3
x2
16X16

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:
x2

2 views

8
12

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:
5

2 views

12

10

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

x4

x6

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
9

Pieces:

x6

10

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
11

Pieces:

x2

12

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
13

Pieces:

x2

x2

14

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

15

16

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
17

Pieces:
x2

18

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

19

20

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

x2

12

21

22

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:
x2

23

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:
24
x2

x2

x3

12

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

25

x2

26

x2

12

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
Pieces:

29

30

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Creating a Drawbridge
31

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

How to build a putter

Pieces:
x2
x4
x7

x3

x4

Building Smart Structures

How to build a putter

Pieces:
1
x7

x3

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

How to build a putter

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

How to build a putter

Pieces:

x2

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

How to build a putter

Pieces:

7
x3

Moving Parts

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:
x4

x6

x2

x2

x3

x4
x2

x15

x20
x2

x8

x4
x2
x2
8
x3

10

x2

12
x6

x3

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:

x2

1
x6

x2
x2

x6

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:

x2
x4

x2

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:

x2

2 views

x3

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:

x2

x2

x4

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

7

Pieces:
x8

x4

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:
9
x2

x4

x2

x2

10

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:
11

x5

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:

12
x8

x4

2 views

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

Building a Conveyor Belt

Pieces:

13
x4

x2

10

Note:
Add a wide chain between the two 24-tooth gears
going under the 10 stud axles.

Building Smart Structures

Making an Alarm

Pieces:

Key Words:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

In order to do this
project you
should review the
following
concepts:

Jack and the Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Rubber Band x2

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 10

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 11

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts 12

Pieces:

Why not just fasten it?

The reason for using a rubber band to
fasten the liftarm is to allow the arm some
flexability when in use. This will help the
Jack in the Box work correctly.
Note: Below is a suggested way to attach the rubber band. Any
way however will work, so long as the band is atttached tightly.
a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 13

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 14

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 15

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 16

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 17

Jack and the Box: The Box

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts 18

Pieces:

a.

b.

c.

Jack and the Box: The Platform

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 19

Jack and the Box: The Platform

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 20

Jack and the Box: The Platform

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 21

Jack and the Box: The Platform

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts 22

Pieces:

a.

b.

Jack and the Box: The Platform

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Note: Make sure the lift

arm locks into the gears.

Moving Parts 23

Jack and the Box: The Platform

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 24

Jack and the Box: Jack

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts 25

a.

Pieces:

Pieces:

c.

Pieces:
Pieces:

b.

d.

Jack and the Box: Jack

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 26

e.

Pieces:

g.

Pieces:

f.

h.

Pieces:

Jack and the Box: Jack

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Pieces:

Moving Parts 27

i.

k.

j.

Pieces:

Pieces:

l.

Jack and the Box: Jack

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Note: This is just one

idea for Jacks head.
Be creative! Use your
own design.

Moving Parts 28

Jack and the Box: Jack

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts 29

Jack and the Box: Assembly

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

2-3 long Rubber Bands

Moving Parts 30

Jack and the Box: Assembly

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Note: After Jack slides

into his box, insert the
pegs as shown.

Moving Parts 31

Jack and the Box: Assembly

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

This is the same

procedure as step 31,
but on the other side.
After both rubber
bands are attached to
Jack, test everything
out. As you push Jack
down, the gears
should lock him in
place. He will need to
be pushed all the way
down in order to be
triggered by the
crank. Make sure
you understand how
everything works
before you proceed.

Moving Parts 32

Jack and the Box: Assembly

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 33

Jack and the Box: Assembly

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 34

Jack and the Box: Assembly

Building Smart Structures

Pieces:

Moving Parts 35

Jack and the Box: Assembly

Building Smart Structures

Troubleshooting:
If Jack doesnt shoot up:
Make sure that the
crank is triggering Jack
Add Stronger rubber
bands
Try looking underneath
as the crank turns to
make sure all the gears
are turning.

Moving Parts 31

Building Smart Structures

Moving Parts

How to build a stair Climber

Pieces:

Key Words:

Miscellaneous

Moving Parts

Train Wheels
Pieces:

x2
x2

x3
x2

Our Favorite Things

Basic Lego Car (no motors)

Pieces:
x4

x4

x8
x2
x2

12

x2

Our Favorite Things

Basic Lego Car

Pieces:
x4

x2
x2

3
12

x2

Our Favorite Things

Basic Lego Car

Pieces:
x4

x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

Basic Lego Car

Pieces:
9

x2

Our Favorite Things

Pieces:

Pulley Car

Note: In order to do this

project you should review the
following concepts: Pulleys

Key Words:
Pulley

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:

1
x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:

x2

Our Favorite Things

Pieces:

Pulley Car
5

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:
x4

7
8

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:
9

x2

10

Our Favorite Things

Pieces:

Pulley Car
11

12

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:
x2

13

14

Our Favorite Things

Pieces:

Pulley Car
15

16

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:

17

x2

18

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:

19
x2

20

Our Favorite Things

Pieces:

Pulley Car
21

22

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:

23

x2

24

Our Favorite Things

Pieces:

25

Pulley Car

26

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:

27

x4

28

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:

29
x2

30

Our Favorite Things

Pieces:

Pulley Car

x4

31

32

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:
x2

33

34

Our Favorite Things

Pulley Car

Pieces:
x2

35

36

Our Favorite Things

Simple Two Motor Car

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Simple Two Motor Car

Pieces:

1
x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

Simple Two Motor Car

Pieces:

2
x2

x4

Our Favorite Things

Simple Two Motor Car

Pieces:

x2

Our Favorite Things

Simple Two Motor Car

Pieces:

4
x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

Simple Two Motor Car

Pieces:
x2

Our Favorite Things

Simple Two Motor Car

6

Note: To make your car turn

easily program it so that the
motors turn in opposite directions
when the car is turning.

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:
1

x2
x2

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:
2

x2
x2

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:
3

x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:
4

x2

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:
9

Our Favorite Things

Sturdy One Motor Car

Pieces:
10

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
1

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
2

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
3

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
4

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
5

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
6

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
7

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
10

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
11

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

12

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
13

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
14

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
15

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

16

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

17

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

18

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
19

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
20

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

21

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

22

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
23

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
24

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

25

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
26

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

27

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
28

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
29

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
30

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

31

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
32

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
33

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

34

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
35

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
36

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
37

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
38

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

39

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

40

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
41

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

42

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

43

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
44

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
45

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
46

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
47

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
48

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

49

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

50

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

51

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:

52

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
53

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
54

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
55

Our Favorite Things

Solar System ROVer

Pieces:
56

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

x2

In order to do this project you

should review the following
concepts: worm gears,
gearing down, gear ratios, and
how to attach motors.

x2

x2

Key Words:
Gearing Down, Gear Ratios

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
1

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
5

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
7

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
9

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

10

11

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

12

13

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

14

15

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

16

17

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
18

19

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
20

21

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
22

23

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
24

25

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

26

27

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

28

29

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:
30

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

31

32

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

33

34

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

35

36

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

37

38

Our Favorite Things

Snail Car
Pieces:

39

40

Our Favorite Things

BUG

Key Words:
Flywheel

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:

x4

x4

x2

x2

6
x6
x4
4

x3

x8
x2
8

x4

x2

x4

x6

x3

x4

x6
x2

10

x2

x3

x8
x4

x2

x3
x4

x3

x4
x2

x6
x2
x2
3

x2
x2

x2

x2

x5

x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
x8

x4
x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
3
x2
x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:

x2
x3
4

x3
8
10

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
5
x2

x2
6
x2

x3

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
7
x2

x2

x4

x4

x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
8

Wires

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
x2

x2

x3

x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
x2

x2

x2

x2

x2

10

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
x2

11

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
x2

x2

12

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
13

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:

14
x2
x3

x2
x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
15
x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG

Pieces:
16

x2
x2

x2

x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
17
x2
x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:
18

x2

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:

19
6

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:

x2

20

Our Favorite Things

BUG
Pieces:

x2

21

x2
8

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

12

10

Note: In order to do
this project you
should review the
following concepts:
gearing up, crown
gears, changing axis
of rotation

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:
9

10

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

11

12
12

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

13

14

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

15

10

16

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

17

18

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:
19

20

Our Favorite Things

Optical Illusions
Pieces:

21

22