Making Things Move

Programme Outline

Automata (mechanical toys) provide a perfect introduction to mechanical principles and making things move. The cam is a fundamental component – an ideal first step to greater things.

Creating the familiar, characteristic movement of animals or humans takes thought, care and skill. Man’s fascination with mimicking human and animal behaviour goes back centuries. There are automata museums in both York and London which provide a great opportunity for school visits. Ron Fuller and Keith Newstead each have talent for combining artistic ideas with sound engineering principles when making their automata… an important quality for all students of Design & Technology. The programme focuses on translating movement from rotary to linear and providing some ingenious solutions. Prepare to be fascinated.