Chain Reaction Challenge Part 2

Invent a wacky multi-step machine to complete a simple task

As you work through the session, make sure to review all Bit diagrams to learn how Bits work and how they relate to the real world. You can also find information about each Bit in the Snap the Gap STEM Bit Index.

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Inspire

Career Exploration

Explore these women who have made significant contributions to STEM fields. Please take a few minutes to read their stories in the postcards below and think about the following:

- Can you see yourself in her job?

- Are you interested to learn more about her job?

- What inspires you about this role model?

Download Women in STEM postcards here:

BARBARA LISKOV MARIA KLAWE HELENE DILLIARD

Create

Create a prototype of your machine that combines Bits and your simple machine experiments

Use your sketch and any simple machine prototypes you experimented with in Part 1.
- A prototype is a simple model that lets you test out your idea!
- Don’t worry about getting everything right on the first try!
  - The important thing is to just get started and experiment. Building a physical model of your idea makes it easier to share with others and collect feedback on your design.

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Play

PLAY: Test out your prototype!

Once the prototypes have been constructed, observe your creation.
- Does it complete the task?
Getting all of the moving pieces to work together is going to be a challenge; failure is part of the process.
- Don’t be afraid to make adjustments on angles, connections and materials.
Take notes about what works and what doesn’t.
- You can make changes in the next version!

Remix

REMIX: Now’s your chance to experiment with fixes and improvements

Could adding a new Bit add important features?
Would craft materials make it stronger or give it a new look?

Test the invention again after a few improvements have been made

Work with another person - ask them what their favorite features are and what suggestions they have to make it better.
- Use their suggestions to create an even better version of your invention.
- As your make changes to your invention, try to remember what you are changing on your prototype and the results (good and bad).
Continue to test and remix the prototype until you are happy with the result.

SHARE: Share your invention with friends or family!

Here are some ideas how you can share about your invention:

Make a presentation and show how your invention works
Talk about the updates or unique features you added to the original prototype and why you decided to make these changes.
Snap photos or videos of your final invention and send to your site coordinator!