{"product_id":"linkages","title":"Linkages","description":"\u003cp\u003eLearners connect cardboard \u003cstrong\u003elevers\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003epivots\u003c\/strong\u003e into moving mechanisms, then hide them inside creatures and characters, like animals that dance and fish that swim. Each project is part machine and part story, built from four real \u003cstrong\u003emechanical linkages\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLearners start by joining two bars with a pivot. Then they build each of four linkages: \u003cstrong\u003ereverse motion\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ebell crank\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eparallel motion\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003escissor\u003c\/strong\u003e. Next they plan a creature or machine on a design sheet, test the idea in paper, and build a final version that hides the linkage inside a character or story. Extensions connect several linkages into one larger machine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSubject connections\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArt and design.\u003c\/strong\u003e Learners design a character and a story that the movement brings to life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish language arts.\u003c\/strong\u003e Learners explain the chain of cause and effect inside a linkage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScience and engineering.\u003c\/strong\u003e Learners explore levers, pivots, and how a mechanism changes the direction of motion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne ready-to-build kit for one learner to make and keep. Younger learners benefit from the parallel play of a caregiver or educator with their own pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA screen-free activity for grades K through 8. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes in a classroom, or 15 minutes at an activity station.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery Spark comes with a free educator guide with a video, slides, and printables (a free educator login unlocks them): \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/kidsmakethingsbetter.com\/inst\/linkages\"\u003eLinkages educator guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"FutureMakers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46414739996910,"sku":"G3 LINK 001","price":8.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/0830\/9742\/files\/linkages1.jpg?v=1758042323","url":"https:\/\/shop.kidsmakethingsbetter.com\/products\/linkages","provider":"FutureMakers","version":"1.0","type":"link"}