These hand crafted wooden models illustrate the principles of both simple machines and more complex mechanical devices. Whether it is the lever, a very simple machine, or the motion converter, which changes a circular motion into a reciprocal motion, the models are engaging to work with. Children (and adults!) can't resist turning the gears and seeing what happens. Before they know it, they are doing some real experiments and learning some basic physics principals in a direct, hands-on fashion.
- Each model includes a detailed activity guide which includes history of the model, practical applications and classroom experiments.
- Student Models - Measure 6"- 18" and are excellent for small groups or individual study.
- Demonstration Models - Measure approximately 2.5 times that of the student version and are great for classroom demonstrations.
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Inclined Plane
The great blocks of stone that made the pyramids weren't lifted into place they were rolled up ramps, or what we now call inclined planes. The inclined plane, one of the simple machines, allows you to raise great weights with small forces. This model lets students experiment with this principle directly, by seeing how much force is needed to pull the cart up the ramp.
CRU501 - Student Model
35.95 
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CRU701 - Demonstration Model
104.95
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Teacher's Guide: 
Lever
The lever is the most basic of the classic simple machines. When you apply force at one end of the lever, you get a force at the other end as well. How big a force you get depends on how far the ends are from the pivot point, the fulcrum. This model gives students the chance to experiment with and learn about this simple machine.
CRU502 - Student Model
21.95
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CRU702 - Demonstration Model
99.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Gear Rack
When you turn the gear, the rack moves to the side. This gearing system transfers circular motion into linear motion in a straight line. This principle is behind the operation of many everyday items, such as the "rack and pinion" system that steers a car.
CRU503 - Student Model
42.95
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CRU703 - Demonstration Model
104.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Wheel & Axle
When a cord goes over a pulley, the force it applies changes direction. In this device, an axle is attached for winding up the cord and the cord goes over a pulley, changing the direction of this force. You can easily see the application of this principle on cranes and other machines.
CRU504 - Student Model
35.95
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CRU704 - Demonstration Model
99.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Screw
The screw, another of the simple machines, converts a circular motion (the turning of the screw) into a linear motion. It also lets you amplify the force a great deal, since turning the screw only moves the end of the screw a small amount.
CRU505 - Student Model
29.95
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CRU705 - Demonstration Model
74.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Pulley
When a cord is run over a pulley, the direction of the applied force is changed. This is a very useful principle in many different machines, and a basic principle that shows up again and again in physics classes. This device lets students explore and understand this basic principle.
CRU506 - Student Model
35.95
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CRU706 - Demonstration Model
99.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Motion Converter
The engine in your car generates power by a series of pistons that move back and forth. But how is this power transferred to the wheels, which must turn round and round? The Motion Converter shows how this feat is accomplished.
CRU507 - Student Model
49.95
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CRU707 - Demonstration Model
109.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Fulcrum Balance
Use this wooden demonstration model to illustrate the concept that the further from the pivot point a force is applied, the greater its effect. This basic principle is behind the operation of the lever and many other basic devices. This model allows students the chance to freely experiment with this idea, by moving masses back and forth and looking for the point of balance.
CRU508 - Student Model
33.95
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CRU708 - Demonstration Model
99.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Wedge
The wedge is one of the simplest of the simple machines, but it is capable of great force amplification. The motion of the wedge into the space between two boards is converted to vertical motion of the top board. Small taps on the wedge can lift very large weights. There are many good experiments that illustrate quite clearly just how the wedge does what it does.
CRU509 - Student Model
33.95
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CRU709 - Demonstration Model
104.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Gear Train
This device illustrates the workings of a system of gears. When you turn one gear, the meshed teeth cause the other gears to rotate as well. The second gear turns in the opposite direction as the first, and the third gear turns in the same direction as the first. By meshing together a series of gears, you can transmit force from one place to another, as well as change in the direction of applied motion.
CRU510 - Student Model
49.95
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CRU710 - Demonstration Model
114.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Pendulum
As the pendulum swings back and forth, its energy changes from potential energy (the energy it has at the top of its swing, when it is raised up) into kinetic energy (the energy of motion). But the pendulum can be used as a device to explore other concepts as well. The time for one swing doesn't depend on the size of the swing or the mass at the end of the pendulum, only on the length. This is why the pendulum came to be used in the earliest accurate clocks!
CRU511 - Student Model
35.95
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CRU711 - Demonstration Model
99.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Block & Tackle
One pulley can be used to change the direction of the force applied by a cord several pulleys can be used to make this simple machine. A small force on the cord can be used to lift a large weight. Experimenting with the device shows why: lifting the block by a short distance requires that the cord be pulled a long distance.
CRU512 - Student Model
35.95
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CRU712 - Demonstration Model
99.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Marble Race
Two balls, two tracks that start and end at the same point. Which ball wins the race? This is a great demonstration of motion and energy, especially as the result is not what most people expect! You can follow up with some great experiments: How does the race change if the starting point is raised? How about if it is lowered? A great device for experimentation and stimulating class discussion.
WARNING CHOKING HAZARD: This toy contains a small ball. Not for Children under 3 yrs.
WARNING CHOKING HAZARD: This toy contains a small ball. Not for Children under 3 yrs.CRU513 - Marble Race
29.95
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Teacher's Guide:
Princess Phone
Numbers on this telephone can be pushed down like a real telephone. Handset is attached to the base by a nylon cord, the Princess Phone is great for imaginative play.
CRU320 - Princess Phone
21.95
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Teacher's Guide: