In this high-energy, virtual challenge, your students will design, build, and iterate their very own autonomous drawing robots. Instead of writing code, they will construct the physical bodies and "brains" of these bots using everyday materials and simple electronics. By harnessing the power of eccentric motion and vibration, students will create motorized artists capable of drawing abstract masterpieces all on their own.
Guided live by expert facilitators, classrooms will experience the thrills of the engineering design process firsthand. This hands-on session is a space where troubleshooting is part of the fun, teaching students that failure is simply the first step toward a creative breakthrough.
Students take on the role of "Mechanical Engineers," stepping into a hands-on robotics lab where physics meets art. Their challenge is to transform a collection of everyday materials—a simple cup, markers, a small motor, and a battery—into a fully functional, autonomous drawing robot capable of creating its own abstract masterpieces.
As the challenge unfolds, students experience the "testing" phase of the engineering design process in real-time. They will see firsthand how minor tweaks to their robot's balance, weight, or marker placement dramatically alter its movement—turning chaotic, unpredictable wobbles into smooth, spinning patterns.
By troubleshooting live on camera, learners must think like true inventors: diagnosing mechanical issues, balancing forces, and iterating their designs to keep their motorized artists moving.
By taking part in this session, students will:
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Understand Eccentric Motion: Discover how an off-center weight on a motor shaft creates vibration, and see how this scientific concept is used in everyday real-world technology—from smartphone buzzers to heavy machinery.
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Apply the Engineering Design Process: Experience the active cycle of designing, building, testing, and iterating. Students will troubleshoot live as they adjust the balance and structure of their moving robots.
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Build Basic Circuits: Safely connect a DC motor to a power source to create a functional, continuous electrical circuit.
Students can work in groups of 2 to 3. To ensure every group has a hands-on experience, please prepare the following materials for each building station prior to the session. Once you register, the Think Big Circle team will be happy to help your classroom prepare by assisting you in selecting the right resources for the challenge
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- 1 Body: A sturdy paper or plastic cup (12oz to 16oz works best).
- 1 Engine: A small 1.5V to 3V DC hobby motor.
- 1 Power Source: A battery holder with wire leads and the appropriate AA batteries.
- 3-4 Legs: Washable sketch pens or thin markers.
- 1 Offset Weight: A small piece of modelling clay, sticky tack, or a soft pencil eraser.
- Adhesive: A roll of masking tape or electrical tape.
- The Canvas: 1 large sheet of blank chart paper or butcher paper to catch the art.
To get the students' gears turning before the live session, we highly recommend sharing these short videos and discussion prompts with your class:
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- Watch - Engineering Design Process Explained (A great step-by-step breakdown of how engineers solve problems).
- Watch - Vibration Motors (Explore how mobile phone vibration motors work).
-Â Classroom Discussion Prompt:Â Ask your students, "Have you ever wondered what makes a video game controller or a mobile phone vibrate? How could we use that vibration to make something move
With a decade of experience spanning nearly every corner of the educational landscape, Julia Trigo has done it all—from teaching high school engineering and elementary STEM to developing computer science curricula.Â
This unique perspective is her superpower as Program Manager for the AMER region at Creative Hut where she partners with school districts to bring exciting, hands-on STEAM learning to kids in and out of school settings.
Working with partners across the country, she is enthusiastic about providing every student with the chance to build, code, and spark their curiosity.
