What is the engineering concept that the children will learn about?

This toy will teach children about gear ratios, gear trains, and centripetal force.

What will the children do and how will they learn by interacting with your project?

The children will arrange various gear trains and then spin a handle that causes the gear train to move. A clear basin with water in the bottom will be attached to the opposite end of the gear train, and the spinning will cause the water to move up the sides of the basin. The goal will be getting the water level to reach different colored lines at different heights. The children will be learning by changing the system of gears and seeing how that changes the spinning speed of the basin.

How does your project meet the requirements given?

• Engage a child's curiosity to learn.
• The child will have a specific goal to meet and will need to explore different combinations of gears to achieve the goal.
• Appeal to all types of children, with differing levels of knowledge and abilities.
• The game can be a very thought-out process, or the child can simply experiment for fun without employing scientific reasoning.
• Be safe and durable.
• No sharp pieces, choking hazards, or dangerous chemicals will be used. We intend to build the toy out of sturdy materials and employ simple, safe movements for its function.
• Use appropriate and sustainable technology
• The pieces will be constantly reused for every turn, so there is no waste generated between uses.
• Employ principles of universal design
• Any child with basic motor skills can use this toy. It involves no physical exertion beyond moving one's hands.
• Include at least one part manufactured by the team
• Most of the gears and overall structure will be manufactured by the team.

What supplies will be needed? What needs to be manufactured? If appropriate, include a sketch of the activity.

This project will require a wooden board, metal plate, magnets, MDF board, small metal cylindrical pieces, and a plastic basin. The gears and handle will most likely be manufactured using rapid prototyping techniques.