TeacherGeek Hydraulic Claw Activity Pack Introduction

Activity Pack offers an engaging way for students to explore engineering and physics concepts through hands-on learning. This kit allows users to design and build their own hydraulic claw, mimicking the mechanics of arcade claw machines. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking while teaching principles of fluid power and simple machines. Priced at approximately $29.99, this educational tool is perfect for classrooms and STEM activities.

Supplies

Claw Parts

These are the parts you need to build one claw, plus some extra parts for your own unique designs.

Materials You Supply

Recycling Materials 
What can you use for your claw grippers?

• String
• Tape
• Screwdriver

• A Container To hold water for filling cylinders

  

Optional Tools

Modify materials to make even more creative designs with the Maker Tool Set

Specifications

The TeacherGeek Hydraulic Claw Activity Pack includes a variety of components designed to facilitate a comprehensive learning experience. Key features include:

• Pre-cut aluminum and PVC parts for easy assembly
• Hydraulic cylinders and pistons
• Syringes for manual operation
• Claw mechanism with gripper pads
• Detailed instruction manual
• Alignment tools and fasteners

The kit is designed to be reusable, allowing multiple classes to benefit from the same set of materials.

Description

The TeacherGeek Hydraulic Claw Activity Pack is a meticulously designed educational kit that enables students to construct and operate a hydraulic claw. The kit includes pre-cut aluminum and PVC parts, hydraulic cylinders, pistons, syringes, and a claw mechanism with gripper pads. This hands-on activity allows students to understand the fundamental principles of hydraulic systems, including pressure, force, and fluid dynamics.

Students will learn how to assemble the components, configure the hydraulic system, and operate the claw to pick up objects. The activity encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking as students work through the assembly and testing phases.

Fill The TeacherGeek Hydraulic Claw Activity Pack

1. Fill both cylinders with water.
   Place tips under water.
   Pull pistons to completely fill with water.
2. Attach 38 cm (15 in) of tubing to just one filled cylinder.
   Tubing longer than 38 cm (15 in) is harder to fill.
3. Fill the tubing completely with water by pushing the piston all the way in.
4. Attach the tubing to the other cylinder.
   Remove all bubbles from cylinders & tubing for best performance.
   Tip the cylinder so bubbles rise to the base of the tube.
   Push the air out and refill.

5. Insert a cylinder screw into each cylinder to secure the tubing.
   Want to learn more about hydraulics?
   Download the Fluid Power Lab at https://teachergeek.com/claw Ages 12+

   

Which Claw Will You Make?

These examples get you started, then you can experiment and evolve your own unique design!

After you make your claw, try a Challenge! 

Accordion Example

1. Cross two strips and add a screw near the middle.
2. Make two half strips, if you don’t already have them, by cutting or snapping a full strip.
3. Add the half-strips and screws to make an accordion-style mechanism.

4. Test your mechanism! Next, you are going to add hydraulics.

   

5. Add your cylinder assembly to the mechanism.
6. Test your claw! If it’s tipping over, use string to hold it up.

7. Your example is done, but you aren’t… Tinker with it and keep evolving the design!
   Add end effectors to grip or scoop objects.
   Test a lot of them – they all have different strengths and weaknesses.

   

Chopsticks Example

1. Make two half strips, if you don’t already have them, by cutting or snapping a full strip.
2. Screw a half strip to a full strip near the middle.
3. Screw on another half strip. It doesn’t have to match the picture exactly.
4. Screw the ends of the half strips together, so the screw barely sticks out the bottom.
5. Put a full strip under the screw from Step 4 and screw it in.

6. Test your claw! Next, you are going to add hydraulics.

   

7. Add your cylinder assembly to the mechanism.
8. Test your claw! If it’s tipping over, use string to hold it up.

9. Your example is done, but you aren’t… Tinker with it and keep evolving the design!

   

Pincer Example

1. Make three half strips and two quarter strips if you don’t already have them. (This will require 2 full strips.)
2. Screw the three half strips together.
3. Use two more screws to attach the two quarter strips.
4. Add your cylinder assembly.
5. Test your claw! If it’s tipping over, hold it up with string (optional).

6. Your example is done, but you aren’t… Tinker with it; keep evolving the design!
   Add end effectors to grip or scoop objects.

   

Setup Guide

To set up the TeacherGeek Hydraulic Claw Activity Pack, follow these steps:

1. Unpack all the components and tools provided in the kit.
2. Refer to the detailed instruction manual for assembly instructions.
3. Use the alignment tools to ensure proper alignment of the parts during assembly.
4. Assemble the hydraulic system by connecting the cylinders, pistons, and syringes according to the instructions.
5. Attach the claw mechanism to the hydraulic system and secure it with the provided fasteners.
6. Test the hydraulic claw by using the syringes to operate it and ensure all parts are functioning correctly.

It is recommended that teachers or instructors supervise students during the assembly and testing process to ensure safety and accuracy.

Ocean Cleanup Challenge

Design your claw to clean up the ocean!

Plastic trash is harming ocean wildlife and washing up on beaches around the world. Use your claw to complete all three stations of the challenge (you can change your design between stations).

Learn more about seaborne trash at https://fws.gov/refuges/features/OceansOfTrash.html 

Constraints: (rules and limits for your design)

• You must use a claw powered by hydraulic cylinders.
• You may only use claw supplies listed on Page 1
• You have minutes to complete each station of the challenge
• You have __minutes to change designs between each station

One claw can't do it all (at least not well), so change your claw design for each part! The engineerina desian process is never done - there is no perfect desian.

Station 1: Garbage Patch 
Huge amounts of trash are floating in the ocean.  Load trash into the container as fast as possible. 

Criteria: 

• +5 points fo r every piece of “trash”
• +1 point for every extra second left on the clock

You can use anything almost for “trash.”   Candy, office supplies, toys, recyclables, etc.

Station 2: Load the Barge 

Containers of trash must be shipped to land for processing.  Stack containers on the barge as  fast as possible. 

Criteria: 

• +5 points for each“container” on the “barge”
• +1 point for every extra second left on the clock
  • Anything that can be stacked can be a “container.”  Snack bars, candy, blocks, etc.  

  • Use paper or an index card for the “barge.” 

    

Station 3: Beach Cleanup 
Pieces of trash are washing up onto beaches.  Design a claw to separate the trash from the sand without disturbing any of the wildlife. 

Criteria: 

• +5 points for every piece of “trash” 
• –10 points for every piece of wildlife

• +1 point for every extra second left on the clock

  

  Rice or sugar can be used as sand.  Candy, fishing lures, etc. can be used for trash/wildlife.

Additional Challenges 

Claw Ball Challenge 

Put a cup (goal) on each side of the room.  Each team can pick up the ball but must pass or drop the ball after walking three steps.  The first team to get 5 goals wins!

HORSE Challenge 

Take turns picking up different objects.  If one player can pick it up, and the other players can’t, that player gets a letter towards the word “HORSE.”  The first player to spell  “HORSE” wins!

Inspiration 

Try making completely different designs! 

TeacherGeek Tools unlock even more design possibilities! 

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the assembly or operation of the hydraulic claw, here are some common problems and solutions:

• Leaky Hydraulic System: Check all connections for tightness and ensure that there are no punctures in the tubing.
• Claw Not Gripping Properly: Adjust the alignment of the gripper pads or ensure that the hydraulic pressure is sufficient.
• Synges Not Working: Check for blockages in the syringes or ensure that they are properly connected to the hydraulic cylinders.

Always follow the safety instructions provided in the manual to avoid any potential hazards.

TeacherGeek Hydraulic Claw Activity Pack Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging Learning Experience: Provides a hands-on and interactive way to learn about hydraulic systems and STEM concepts.
• Comprehensive Kit: Includes all necessary components for assembly and operation.
• Reusable: Can be used multiple times, making it a cost-effective option for schools.
• Develops Critical Skills: Enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Cons

• Complex Assembly: This may require significant time and effort for assembly, especially for younger students.
• Potential for Damage: Components can be damaged if not handled carefully, which may require additional costs for replacement.
• Supervision Required: Requires teacher or instructor supervision to ensure safety and accuracy during assembly and operation.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the TeacherGeek Hydraulic Claw Activity Pack for its educational value and engagement. Here are some common reviews:

• "This kit has been a game-changer in our STEM class. Students are highly engaged and have a much better understanding of hydraulic systems now." - Sarah, Science Teacher
• "The instructions were clear, and the components were of high quality. It was a bit challenging to assemble, but the end result was worth it." - John, Parent

However, some users have noted that the assembly process can be complex and time-consuming, and that supervision is essential to prevent damage to the components.