Wiggle-Bots are motorized contraptions that are designed and built entirely by kids.
Wiggle-Bots are more than a fun activity – they truly inspire. Watch eyes widen as wires are connected and Wiggle-Bots start to move. See how understanding and design evolves through experimentation and tinkering. Appreciate the challenge of going beyond step by step instructions and creating something completely new and innovative. It’s an incredible experience. How will you wiggle? Your Wiggle-Bot can be designed to do many cool things.
This educational product pairs well with the Junk Drawer Robotics Curriculum and is suitable for all ages, however youth 12 and under may require adult supervision.
Activity Videos
Activity Documents
Click on the flowchart to view documents from each category.
Go Guide:
Give it to your students and go! This is the essential document to get students started with Wiggle-Bots, and it culminates in the Scribble-Bot Challenge and Wiggle-Race Challenge. There are two versions of the Go Guide, pick based on whether you ordered the Regular kit or the Super kit (which includes extra parts).
Regular Go Guide: PDF DOCX Videos |
For the Regular version of the kit. |
Super Go Guide: PDF DOCX Videos |
For the Super version of the kit. |
Labs:
Electricity Lab: PDF DOCX |
How does the Wiggle-Bot work? Learn about electrons, circuits, and the other basics of electricity. Ages 8+. |
Wave Lab: PDF DOCX |
Add markers to your Wiggle-Bot to make a Scribble-Bot, use it to draw waves, then learn about the relationship between waves, frequency, and amplitude. Ages 8+. |
Challenges:
Build a Scribble-Bot to make artwork! Or compete to make the fastest Wiggle-Bot! See the Go Guide documents for challenge instructions.
Regular Go Guide: PDF DOCX Videos |
For the Regular version of the kit. |
Super Go Guide: PDF DOCX Videos |
For the Super version of the kit. |
Engineering Notebook: Simple Version Full Version |
Available at two different learning levels, Engineering Notebooks are designed to help students cycle through the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. We recommend keeping extra copies of this on-hand for kids during activities. |
Other Resources:
STEAM Market-It Challenge: PDF DOCX |
Add the STEAM Market-It Challenge to any completed activity to teach students how to turn their design into a retail product. Students will learn the 4 ‘Ps’ of marketing – Product, Placement, Price and Promotion. Students have the option of completing a commercial, a billboard or retail packaging as a summative assessment. |
Engineering Notebooks: Simple Version Full Version |
Available at two different learning levels, Engineering Notebooks are designed to help students cycle through the Design & Engineering Process and help them innovate and invent new designs. Use an Engineering Notebook page for each iteration of design. We recommend keeping extra copies of this on-hand for kids during activities. |
Optional Tools
Make even more innovative Wiggle-Bots with these optional tools!
Multi-Cutter
Cut dowels, strips,
recycling bin items,
etc.
Reamer
Ream teeth from
holes so dowels
spin freely.
Screw Driver
Drive screws
into holes.
Mini Hammer
Tap dowels into
other components.
Slip Joint Pliers
Grab nuts, bend
wires, etc.
Wiggle-Bot Components
What comes with the Wiggle-Bot?
Regular Kit (Single)
Lots of parts (including extras) so you can
make your own innovative designs!
1x Mixed Gear Set (4 Gears)
2x Perpendicular Blocks
1x AA Single Battery Holder
1x Small Motor w/Leads
2x Steel Building Wire (300 mm)
2x Dowels (300 mm)
2x Dowels (150 mm)
1x Dowel (75 mm)
1x Dowel (50 mm)
Super Kit (Single)
More parts means more innovation!
Add tools to make even more creative designs.
2x Connector Strips
1x Hole Plate
2x Screws (#10 25mm)
2x Nuts (#10)
1x Mixed Gear Set (4 Gears)
3x Perpendicular Blocks
1x AA Single Battery Holder
1x Small Motor w/Leads
4x Steel Building Wire (300 mm)
4x Dowels (300 mm)
2x Dowels (150 mm)
1x Dowel (75 mm)
1x Dowel (50 mm)
This is an educational product and not a toy. It is intended for use by ages 6 and above with adult supervision.
Science, Math & Engineering Standards
Our engineering kits fit proposals, grants or lesson plans with ease! Explore more resources below:
NGSS Standards Spreadsheet: PDF DOCX |
NGSS standards matrix for all activities. |
ITEEA Standards Spreadsheet: PDF DOCX |
ITEEA standards matrix for all activities. |