Campers built a self-powered flashlight, turning a hand crank into enough electricity to light an LED.
Project Spotlight:
Caterpillar Automata
Bring a caterpillar to life by building an automata that recreates its crawling motion with simple machines.
What We Built
Makers built a caterpillar automata that uses rotating parts to create a repeating crawling motion. They explored how mechanical components work together to bring their caterpillar to life.
What We Learned
Mechanical Motion
Learned how cams and levers work together to create movement.
Simple Machines
Explored how rotating parts transfer motion through an automata.
Animal Movement
Connected a caterpillar’s crawling motion to a mechanical design.
Skills in Action
- Automata Assembly
- Cam Mechanisms
- Lever Systems
- Creative Design
- Mechanical Testing
- Creative Design
Build Story
Challenge:
Create a caterpillar that crawls with smooth, repeating motion.
Process:
Assemble, test, and adjust parts until the motion repeats.
Result:
Create a caterpillar that crawls with smooth, repeating motion.
Photo Gallery
Ask Your Child
- How did the cams help your caterpillar crawl?
- Which mechanical part made the biggest difference?
- What changes improved your caterpillar's movement?
Extend at Home
Look for moving toys at home. Identify the parts that create movement, then sketch how they work together.
Post Build Follow Up
Designed by
Name of Designer, Position
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore.
Sub-Header
Header
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore.
© 2026 The STEAM Project.