Mechanics & Motion
Structural design, linkages, and motor-driven movement systems.
What This Skill Covers
Mechanics and motion skills teach students how to turn electrical energy into physical movement. From simple rotating shafts to complex multi-joint articulation, students learn the principles that make machines move.
Motor Types
DC motors, servo motors, stepper motors — choosing the right one for the job
Structural Design
Building frames and mounts that support loads and moving parts
Linkages & Joints
Creating articulated connections that allow controlled motion
Gearing & Torque
Understanding mechanical advantage, speed vs. force trade-offs
Progression Across Grades
Single motor attachments, basic wheel-and-axle, cardboard structures
Multi-servo builds, basic linkage systems, stronger frame materials
Complex articulated motion, gear trains, load-bearing design
Custom mechanical assemblies, 3D-printed parts, precision motion control
Why This Matters
Understanding how to make things move is central to robotics, manufacturing, automotive engineering, and product design. Students who grasp mechanical principles can design solutions to physical problems — and they learn to think in three dimensions, anticipating how forces, friction, and weight affect their designs.