Crazy Contraptions Enquire Now ⚙️ Engineering & Design Thinking Crazy Contraptions Rube Goldberg would love this! This school science visit is all about design thinking! Students apply energy changes, momentum, gravity, and friction to solve time-based engineering challenges. It is a high-energy environment where students learn teamwork, fine motor control, and planning skills while discovering the real-world applications of simple machines. By re-purposing everyday objects to complete a complex task, students engage in fair testing and open discussions on potential vs. kinetic energy. Newton would be happy with this STEM content! STEM Objectives: Simple Machines: Practical use of levers, pulleys, wheels, and axles. Energy Transformation: Mapping potential to kinetic energy changes. Forces & Motion: Understanding how contact and non-contact forces affect objects. The Design Process: Planning, testing, and iterating engineering ideas. Teamwork: Collaborative problem-solving to complete a time-based challenge. Education-First Leadership Led by Churchill Fellow Ben Newsome, we ensure every engineering incursion is grounded in pedagogical best practice. We provide the tools to make high-level technology accessible to every student. Trustpilot 4 Million+ Students Inspired since 2004 Trustpilot Check Availability 🏗️ Collaborative Design Thinking. ⚖️ Exploration of Forces & Motion. 📜 Full Risk Assessments & WWCC. Quick Links Past projects Requirements Cost per Science Show Free Science Resources Back to Primary Science Visits 150 Free Experiments Fizzics in the Media Australian Curriculum Mapping for all science workshops & shows Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science incursions Australian ACARA Content Outcomes: Science F-10 Version 9.0 Year 4 identify how forces can be exerted by one object on another and investigate the effect of frictional, gravitational and magnetic forces on motion AC9S4U03 examine properties of natural and made materials and consider how these properties influence their use in engineering AC9S4U04 Year 3 & 4 examine how people use data to develop scientific explanations AC9S3H01, AC9S4H01 consider how people use scientific explanations to meet a need or solve a problem AC9S3H02, AC9S4H02 pose questions to explore observed patterns and make predictions based on observations AC9S3I01, AC9S4I01 Year 5 & 6 investigate how scientific knowledge is used to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02 pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01 compare methods and findings with others, recognise sources of error and draw reasoned conclusions AC9S5I05, AC9S6I05 Design and Technologies F-10 Version 9.0 Years 3 & 4 describe how forces and the properties of materials affect function in a product or system AC9TDE4K02 test materials, components, tools, equipment and processes needed to create designed solutions AC9TDE4P01 generate and communicate design ideas and decisions using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation AC9TDE4P02 sequence steps to individually and collaboratively make designed solutions AC9TDE4P05 Years 5 & 6 explain how characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, and tools affect their use in designed solutions AC9TDE6K05 investigate needs or opportunities for designing, and the materials/processes needed to create solutions AC9TDE6P01 select and use suitable materials, components, tools, and techniques to safely make designed solutions AC9TDE6P03 develop project plans that include consideration of resources to collaboratively make designed solutions AC9TDE6P05 Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science workshops & shows NSW SCIENCE SYLLABUS CONTENT for all our incursions NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping NSW Science Syllabus Content A student: ST2-9PW-ST describes how contact and non-contact forces affect an object’s motion ST3-7MW-T explains how the properties of materials determines their use for a range of purposes ST3-9PW-ST investigates the effects of increasing or decreasing the strength of a specific force ST3-2DP-T plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027) For implementation advice, visit the NESA Curriculum site. Stage 3 ST3-SCI-01 knowledge used to develop sustainable practices Recognise that in a fair test, an independent variable is changed while controls remain the same ST3-DDT-01 uses design processes to create, evaluate and modify solutions Develop design ideas to build a prototype using specific design criteria Test, evaluate and modify the prototype to meet those criteria NSW K-10 Science Syllabus Mapping Print a PDF detailing NSW K-6 mapping VIC Science & Technology Content Science (Version 2.0) Levels 3 & 4 Properties of materials influence their use and re-use. VC2S4U05 Direct and distance forces affect the motion (speed and direction) of objects. VC2S4U10 Planning scientific investigations using fair test attributes. VC2S4I02 Design and Technologies Levels 3 & 4 Describe how forces and material properties affect system function. VC2TDE4C01, VC2TDE4C04 Generate and communicate design ideas using technical terms. VC2TDE4D02 Select and use tools and techniques to safely make solutions. VC2TDE4D03 Sequence steps to collaboratively make designed solutions. VC2TDE4D05 Levels 5 & 6 Explain how properties of components and tools affect their use. VC2TDE6C04 Generate, iterate and communicate design processes. VC2TDE6D02 Develop project plans that include consideration of resources. VC2TDE6D05 VIC F – 6 Science Syllabus Mapping Print a PDF detailing VIC P-6 mapping STEM workshop content What Students Experience: The Engineering Challenge This workshop transforms the classroom into an engineering lab. We move from the history of Rube Goldberg’s whimsical designs into a high-stakes, hands-on mission where failure is just a step toward a better solution. 1. Inspiration & Logic We begin with an engaging discussion and video showcase of complex Rube Goldberg machines. Students analyse how simple triggers lead to massive chain reactions, setting the stage for their own design thinking process. 2. The Build Challenge Armed with everyday materials and unexpected items, teams must build a contraption that harnesses potential and kinetic energy. The goal? Creating a precise sequence of events that successfully rings a desk bell. 3. Defining STEM We wrap up by connecting the fun back to the real world. Students discuss what STEM actually is: the powerful combination of materials, scientific knowledge, and collaboration to solve a given problem. S St Bernadette’s Annandale, NSW Our students absolutely loved the Rube Goldberg challenge! It was amazing to see them working together, testing ideas, and learning that “failing” a build is just part of the engineering process. View on Facebook O Our Lady Star of the Sea Terrigal, NSW A fantastic day of engineering! The Fizzics team challenged our students to think outside the box. The buzz in the room as they designed their machines was incredible. View on Facebook EST. 2004 Our Commitment to Quality Science Education A Trusted School Partner for hundreds of Australian schools At Fizzics Education, we know science is naturally captivating. Our 20-year history is built on delivering reliable, syllabus-aligned visits that engage students and meet the practical requirements of the Australian classroom. ✓Consistency & CareSupporting Australian schools and teachers since 2004. ✓Real FeedbackGuided by unedited reviews from educators and principals. ✓Qualified PresentersFacilitated by experienced science specialists focused on student learning. 4 Million+ Students Inspired Trustpilot Requirements 📊 Workshop Logistics Session Requirements 👥 Capacity & Timing 👨🎓 Attendance: Max 30 students per class. 🏫 Target: Appropriate for Years 3 to 6. ⏰ Duration: 60 or 90 minute versions available. 🛠️ Setup: 30 mins set/pack required. 🛠️ Engineering Tools: All specialized building materials and tools are provided. Students are guided through safe construction techniques. 📍 Space Needs 🏗️ Room Layout: 10 tables arranged around the perimeter. 🧱 Wall Space: Access to clear wall space is essential for building. 🪑 Seating: Chairs are not required for students. Note: This workshop is highly mobile and can be adjusted for varied classroom sizes. 🛡️ $20M Public Liability ✅ WWCC Checked 📋 Full Risk Assessments 🎓 Expert STEM Educators Go Further! Engineering Units to Support Your Teaching Save time and engage students in engineering with high-quality videos, printable experiments, and full marking rubrics. Find out more! Extend the Experience Combine this engineering workshop with one of our high-impact stage shows: Big Science Big Fun tick tick BOOM! Destination Moon Cost 💰 Workshop Investment Crazy Contraptions $580 inc. GST 60-Minute Workshop ✨ Only $19.33 per student $660 inc. GST 90-Minute Workshop ✨ Only $22.00 per student *Calculated based on max capacity of 30 students per session. ✓ Early Bird: Book and pay within 7 days to receive 10% off your booking. 📍 Regional Schools: Find out how we can attend your school as part of a country science tour! View all offers & discounts 📑 Syllabus Details: Print a PDF for mapping of all our science visits. Start your engineering project Call 1300 856 828 4 Million+ Students Inspired since 2004 Trustpilot Enquire Now Extension Ideas! STEM TPL for Primary and Early Learning Teachers Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More STEM TPL for Primary and Early Learning Teachers Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More Fizzics Education Awards Related Shows Madlab Electronics Years 5 & 6 Maximum 20 students Workshop (NSW only) 2 hours Physical Science Science Inquiry New South Wales Victoria Year 5 Year 6 Human Endeavor Read More Enquire Now Curious Kids – Science of Toys Years K to 2 Maximum 30 students School Workshop 60 or 90 minutes Online Class Available Human Endeavor Physical Science Science Inquiry New South Wales Victoria Australian Capital Territory Kindergarten Year 1 Year 2 Read More Enquire Now Human Body – Our muscles & skeleton Years 3 to 4 Maximum 30 students School workshop (NSW & ACT only) 60 or 90 minutes Online Class Available New South Wales Australian Capital Territory Year 3 Year 4 Biological Science Health and Physical Education Human Endeavor Read More Enquire Now
Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science incursions Australian ACARA Content Outcomes: Science F-10 Version 9.0 Year 4 identify how forces can be exerted by one object on another and investigate the effect of frictional, gravitational and magnetic forces on motion AC9S4U03 examine properties of natural and made materials and consider how these properties influence their use in engineering AC9S4U04 Year 3 & 4 examine how people use data to develop scientific explanations AC9S3H01, AC9S4H01 consider how people use scientific explanations to meet a need or solve a problem AC9S3H02, AC9S4H02 pose questions to explore observed patterns and make predictions based on observations AC9S3I01, AC9S4I01 Year 5 & 6 investigate how scientific knowledge is used to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02 pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01 compare methods and findings with others, recognise sources of error and draw reasoned conclusions AC9S5I05, AC9S6I05 Design and Technologies F-10 Version 9.0 Years 3 & 4 describe how forces and the properties of materials affect function in a product or system AC9TDE4K02 test materials, components, tools, equipment and processes needed to create designed solutions AC9TDE4P01 generate and communicate design ideas and decisions using appropriate technical terms and graphical representation AC9TDE4P02 sequence steps to individually and collaboratively make designed solutions AC9TDE4P05 Years 5 & 6 explain how characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, and tools affect their use in designed solutions AC9TDE6K05 investigate needs or opportunities for designing, and the materials/processes needed to create solutions AC9TDE6P01 select and use suitable materials, components, tools, and techniques to safely make designed solutions AC9TDE6P03 develop project plans that include consideration of resources to collaboratively make designed solutions AC9TDE6P05 Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science workshops & shows
NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping NSW Science Syllabus Content A student: ST2-9PW-ST describes how contact and non-contact forces affect an object’s motion ST3-7MW-T explains how the properties of materials determines their use for a range of purposes ST3-9PW-ST investigates the effects of increasing or decreasing the strength of a specific force ST3-2DP-T plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027) For implementation advice, visit the NESA Curriculum site. Stage 3 ST3-SCI-01 knowledge used to develop sustainable practices Recognise that in a fair test, an independent variable is changed while controls remain the same ST3-DDT-01 uses design processes to create, evaluate and modify solutions Develop design ideas to build a prototype using specific design criteria Test, evaluate and modify the prototype to meet those criteria NSW K-10 Science Syllabus Mapping Print a PDF detailing NSW K-6 mapping VIC Science & Technology Content Science (Version 2.0) Levels 3 & 4 Properties of materials influence their use and re-use. VC2S4U05 Direct and distance forces affect the motion (speed and direction) of objects. VC2S4U10 Planning scientific investigations using fair test attributes. VC2S4I02 Design and Technologies Levels 3 & 4 Describe how forces and material properties affect system function. VC2TDE4C01, VC2TDE4C04 Generate and communicate design ideas using technical terms. VC2TDE4D02 Select and use tools and techniques to safely make solutions. VC2TDE4D03 Sequence steps to collaboratively make designed solutions. VC2TDE4D05 Levels 5 & 6 Explain how properties of components and tools affect their use. VC2TDE6C04 Generate, iterate and communicate design processes. VC2TDE6D02 Develop project plans that include consideration of resources. VC2TDE6D05 VIC F – 6 Science Syllabus Mapping Print a PDF detailing VIC P-6 mapping
What Students Experience: The Engineering Challenge This workshop transforms the classroom into an engineering lab. We move from the history of Rube Goldberg’s whimsical designs into a high-stakes, hands-on mission where failure is just a step toward a better solution. 1. Inspiration & Logic We begin with an engaging discussion and video showcase of complex Rube Goldberg machines. Students analyse how simple triggers lead to massive chain reactions, setting the stage for their own design thinking process. 2. The Build Challenge Armed with everyday materials and unexpected items, teams must build a contraption that harnesses potential and kinetic energy. The goal? Creating a precise sequence of events that successfully rings a desk bell. 3. Defining STEM We wrap up by connecting the fun back to the real world. Students discuss what STEM actually is: the powerful combination of materials, scientific knowledge, and collaboration to solve a given problem. S St Bernadette’s Annandale, NSW Our students absolutely loved the Rube Goldberg challenge! It was amazing to see them working together, testing ideas, and learning that “failing” a build is just part of the engineering process. View on Facebook O Our Lady Star of the Sea Terrigal, NSW A fantastic day of engineering! The Fizzics team challenged our students to think outside the box. The buzz in the room as they designed their machines was incredible. View on Facebook EST. 2004 Our Commitment to Quality Science Education A Trusted School Partner for hundreds of Australian schools At Fizzics Education, we know science is naturally captivating. Our 20-year history is built on delivering reliable, syllabus-aligned visits that engage students and meet the practical requirements of the Australian classroom. ✓Consistency & CareSupporting Australian schools and teachers since 2004. ✓Real FeedbackGuided by unedited reviews from educators and principals. ✓Qualified PresentersFacilitated by experienced science specialists focused on student learning. 4 Million+ Students Inspired Trustpilot
STEM TPL for Primary and Early Learning Teachers Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More
STEM TPL for Primary and Early Learning Teachers Create a Full Day STEM Accelerator or join us for a rapid science upskill! For schools outside of metropolitan areas please contact us to discuss how this science workshop can be run online or visit your school as part of a regional visit. Click below to know more! Science Full day STEM accelerator – Primary Teachers Teacher Professional Learning – One hour STEM Ideation Coding Full Day TPL – Primary Teachers Online courses Read More
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