Meccano Machines Use teamwork & tools to create compound machines Enquire Now ⚙️ Physical World: Mechanical Engineering Meccano Machines Simple Machines, Tool Use and Spatial Reasoning Bring authentic engineering into your classroom! This hands-on STEM workshop teaches students how to use real hand tools to construct functional simple and complex machines using Meccano. Working in collaborative teams, students frantically engage in build projects that bring physics to life. While many students today have never encountered Meccano, they quickly discover the thrill of mechanical assembly. Beyond the science, this workshop is a powerful avenue for improving spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and the discipline of following technical instructions. Engineering Focus: Simple Machines: Practical application of levers, pulleys, and inclined planes. Mechanical Systems: Understanding gear trains, wheels, and axles. Tool Proficiency: Developing confidence and safety using real nuts, bolts, and screwdrivers. Technical Literacy: Interpreting and executing multi-step build instructions. Team Collaboration: Solving design hurdles in pairs or small groups. Applied Mathematics: Utilizing spatial reasoning and measurement during assembly. Education-First Leadership Led by Churchill Fellow Ben Newsome, we transform a classic engineering kit into a modern inquiry-based learning experience. 4 Million+ Students Inspired since 2004 Trustpilot Check Availability Student Benefits: Meccano offers a unique tactile experience that bridges the gap between digital design and physical construction. 🔩 Hands-on tool mastery. 🧠 Enhanced spatial reasoning. 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 5 & 6 investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02 pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01 compare methods and findings with those of others, recognise possible sources of error, pose questions for further investigation and select evidence to draw reasoned conclusions AC9S5I05, AC9S6I05 Design and Technologies F-10 Version 9.0 Years 5 & 6 explain how characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment affect their use when producing designed solutions AC9TDE6K05 investigate needs or opportunities for designing, and the materials, components, tools, equipment and processes needed to create designed solutions AC9TDE6P01 select and use suitable materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to safely make designed solutions AC9TDE6P03 negotiate design criteria including sustainability to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions AC9TDE6P04 develop project plans that include consideration of resources to individually and 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 for all our incursions NSW Science & Technology Content Outcomes A student: investigates the effects of increasing or decreasing the strength of a specific contact or non-contact force ST3-9PW-ST plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST3-2DP-T NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027) For explanatory points & implementation advice for each dot point, please visit the NESA Science and Technology K–6 Curriculum site Stage 3 ST3-SCI-01 uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices Recognise that in a fair test, an independent variable is changed, a dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables remain the same ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data ST3-DDT-01 uses design processes to create, evaluate and modify designed solutions Develop design ideas to build a prototype using design criteria Test, evaluate and modify the prototype to meet the design criteria NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions Print a PDF which details K to 6 mapping of all our science visits VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 Science For explanatory points & implementation advice for each dot point, please visit the VIC Curriculum F-10 site. Levels 5 & 6 repeatable scientific investigations to answer questions can be planned and conducted, including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests, considering potential risks, planning for the safe and ethical use of equipment and materials, and obtaining permissions for investigations conducted on Country and Place or in protected areas. VC2S6I02 Design and Technologies Levels 5 & 6 explain how characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components and tools affect their use when producing designed solutions VC2TDE6C04 investigate needs or opportunities for designing, and the materials, components, tools and processes needed to create designed solutions VC2TDE6D01 generate, iterate and communicate design ideas, decisions and processes using technical terms and graphical representation techniques, using manual and digital tools VC2TDE6D02 select, explain and use suitable materials, components, tools and techniques to safely make designed solutions VC2TDE6D03 negotiate design criteria that address ethical considerations, including sustainability, to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions VC2TDE6D04 develop project plans that include consideration of resources to individually and collaboratively make designed solutions VC2TDE6D05 VIC F – 6 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions Print a PDF which details P to 6 mapping of all our VIC science visits School Testimonials View All Condell Park Public School Feedback on: Years 5 and 6 Create a Buzz programme Enthusiastic presenter - good rapport with students. The programme (sic) was informative and age appropriate. STEM workshop content What Students Experience: The Engineering Floor The workshop begins with a deep dive into the six simple machines. We challenge students to become “mechanical detectives,” identifying these foundational engineering principles in the everyday objects around them. After a briefing on tool safety and assembly techniques, students transition into their roles as junior engineers. Working in small collaborative groups, they tackle a Meccano build project that requires the integration of multiple simple machines to create a functional compound machine. Mechanical Mastery Students move from theory to practice, discovering how gears, axles, and levers interact to transfer force and motion within a real system. Precision Skills The build process demands high levels of hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning as students translate 2D procedures into 3D models. Technical Literacy Beyond the tools, students practice the essential STEM skill of interpreting complex procedures and executing a project plan from start to finish. EST. 2004 Authentic Engineering Tools 20 Years of Specialized Incursions Fizzics Education brings professional-grade Meccano kits and specialized hand tools to your school, facilitating high-success engineering projects in a safe, guided environment. ✓ Real-World Tool Use Every student gets hands-on experience with the nuts, bolts, and wrenches used in mechanical assembly. Real, Verified, Unedited Trustpilot Requirements ⚙️ Workshop Logistics Session Requirements 👥 Capacity & Timing 👨🎓 Attendance: Max 30 students per class. 🏫 Target: Appropriate for Years 5 & 6. ⏰ Duration: 2 Hours (tailorable). 🛠️ Set/Pack: 15 mins setup + 15 mins pack down. 📍 Space & Setup 🏗️ Layout: 10 Tables arranged around the room. 🪑 Seating: Chairs are not required for students. ⚠️ Junior Note: Possible for Years 3 & 4, though highly challenging for this level. 💡 Observation: Due to varying fine motor skills and spatial abilities, completion rates vary; some students will finish ahead of time while others may reach approximately 75% completion within the session. COVID Safe: We’ll tailor the program to suit both your school and the State’s current social distancing requirements. Inquire here. 🛡️ $20M Public Liability ✅ WWCC Checked 📋 Full Risk Assessments 🎓 Expert Educators Go Further! Complete STEM Units to Support Your Teaching Deepen the learning with high-quality videos, printable experiments, quizzes, and marking rubrics designed to engage students in long-term STEM projects. Explore STEM Units Did you know about our larger stage shows? Designed to engage up to 240 students, pair this workshop with one of these school favourites: Big Science Big Fun tick tick BOOM! Destination Moon Food Science Show Deep Blue Oceans Cost 💰 Workshop Investment Meccano Machines STEM Incursion $720 inc. GST Per 2-Hour Workshop ✨ $24.00 per student (Based on 30 students) Early Bird: Book and pay within 7 days to receive 10% off your booking. View offers & discounts 📍 Regional: We visit country schools via Country Science Tours. 📑 Syllabus: Print a PDF for mapping of all K to 6 science visits. Call 1300 856 828 Click below to book your primary school STEM workshop. Find out more about our impact 4 Million+ Students Inspired since 2004 Trustpilot Enquire Now Extension Ideas! STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary 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 Full Day Accelerator - Primary 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 Extension Ideas! Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More Fizzics Education Awards Related Shows Know Your Code Years 3 to 6 Maximum 30 students Hands-on technology workshop 90 minutes Digital Technologies New South Wales Victoria Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Read More Enquire Now Digital Microscopy Years 3 to 6 Maximum 30 students School workshop (NSW & VIC) 60 minutes Year 6 Biological Science Digital Technologies Human Endeavor Science Inquiry New South Wales Victoria Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Read More Enquire Now Special needs science visits K to 10 Maximum 30 students Workshops or show 30 - 45 minutes Online Class Available Chemical Science Year 2 Earth and Space Year 3 Health and Physical Education Year 4 Human Endeavor Year 5 Physical Science Year 6 Science Inquiry Year 7 New South Wales Year 8 Victoria Year 9 Australian Capital Territory Year 10 Kindergarten Biological Science Year 1 Read More Enquire Now
Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science incursions Australian ACARA Content Outcomes: Science F-10 Version 9.0 Year 5 & 6 investigate how scientific knowledge is used by individuals and communities to identify problems, consider responses and make decisions AC9S5H02, AC9S6H02 pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions AC9S5I01, AC9S6I01 compare methods and findings with those of others, recognise possible sources of error, pose questions for further investigation and select evidence to draw reasoned conclusions AC9S5I05, AC9S6I05 Design and Technologies F-10 Version 9.0 Years 5 & 6 explain how characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components, tools and equipment affect their use when producing designed solutions AC9TDE6K05 investigate needs or opportunities for designing, and the materials, components, tools, equipment and processes needed to create designed solutions AC9TDE6P01 select and use suitable materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques to safely make designed solutions AC9TDE6P03 negotiate design criteria including sustainability to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions AC9TDE6P04 develop project plans that include consideration of resources to individually and collaboratively make designed solutions AC9TDE6P05 Australian National Curriculum Mapping for all our science workshops & shows
NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions NSW Science & Technology Content Outcomes A student: investigates the effects of increasing or decreasing the strength of a specific contact or non-contact force ST3-9PW-ST plans and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST3-2DP-T NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (Implementation from 2027) For explanatory points & implementation advice for each dot point, please visit the NESA Science and Technology K–6 Curriculum site Stage 3 ST3-SCI-01 uses evidence to explain how scientific knowledge can be used to develop sustainable practices Recognise that in a fair test, an independent variable is changed, a dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables remain the same ST3-PQU-01 poses questions to identify variables and conducts fair tests to gather data ST3-DDT-01 uses design processes to create, evaluate and modify designed solutions Develop design ideas to build a prototype using design criteria Test, evaluate and modify the prototype to meet the design criteria NSW K – 10 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions Print a PDF which details K to 6 mapping of all our science visits VIC Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 Science For explanatory points & implementation advice for each dot point, please visit the VIC Curriculum F-10 site. Levels 5 & 6 repeatable scientific investigations to answer questions can be planned and conducted, including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests, considering potential risks, planning for the safe and ethical use of equipment and materials, and obtaining permissions for investigations conducted on Country and Place or in protected areas. VC2S6I02 Design and Technologies Levels 5 & 6 explain how characteristics and properties of materials, systems, components and tools affect their use when producing designed solutions VC2TDE6C04 investigate needs or opportunities for designing, and the materials, components, tools and processes needed to create designed solutions VC2TDE6D01 generate, iterate and communicate design ideas, decisions and processes using technical terms and graphical representation techniques, using manual and digital tools VC2TDE6D02 select, explain and use suitable materials, components, tools and techniques to safely make designed solutions VC2TDE6D03 negotiate design criteria that address ethical considerations, including sustainability, to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions VC2TDE6D04 develop project plans that include consideration of resources to individually and collaboratively make designed solutions VC2TDE6D05 VIC F – 6 Science Syllabus mapping for all our incursions Print a PDF which details P to 6 mapping of all our VIC science visits
What Students Experience: The Engineering Floor The workshop begins with a deep dive into the six simple machines. We challenge students to become “mechanical detectives,” identifying these foundational engineering principles in the everyday objects around them. After a briefing on tool safety and assembly techniques, students transition into their roles as junior engineers. Working in small collaborative groups, they tackle a Meccano build project that requires the integration of multiple simple machines to create a functional compound machine. Mechanical Mastery Students move from theory to practice, discovering how gears, axles, and levers interact to transfer force and motion within a real system. Precision Skills The build process demands high levels of hand-eye coordination and spatial reasoning as students translate 2D procedures into 3D models. Technical Literacy Beyond the tools, students practice the essential STEM skill of interpreting complex procedures and executing a project plan from start to finish. EST. 2004 Authentic Engineering Tools 20 Years of Specialized Incursions Fizzics Education brings professional-grade Meccano kits and specialized hand tools to your school, facilitating high-success engineering projects in a safe, guided environment. ✓ Real-World Tool Use Every student gets hands-on experience with the nuts, bolts, and wrenches used in mechanical assembly. Real, Verified, Unedited Trustpilot
STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary 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 Full Day Accelerator - Primary 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
Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More
Scientist Q & A Often students attend our science workshops and shows with questions that stem beyond the covered topic area. Ask a scientist aims to give students a chance to get their questions answered! Run as a 30-minute session at a cost of $70 inc. GST. Read More
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