In this high-energy, virtual challenge, your students will design, build, and iterate their very own autonomous drawing robots. Instead of writing code, they will construct the physical bodies and "brains" of these bots using everyday materials and simple electronics. By harnessing the power of eccentric motion and vibration, students will create motorized artists capable of drawing abstract masterpieces all on their own.
Guided live by expert facilitators, classrooms will experience the thrills of the engineering design process firsthand. This hands-on session is a space where troubleshooting is part of the fun, teaching students that failure is simply the first step toward a creative breakthrough.
Students take on the role of "Mechanical Engineers," stepping into a hands-on robotics lab where physics meets art. Their challenge is to transform a collection of everyday materials—a simple cup, markers, a small motor, and a battery—into a fully functional, autonomous drawing robot capable of creating its own abstract masterpieces.
As the challenge unfolds, students experience the "testing" phase of the engineering design process in real-time. They will see firsthand how minor tweaks to their robot's balance, weight, or marker placement dramatically alter its movement—turning chaotic, unpredictable wobbles into smooth, spinning patterns.
By troubleshooting live on camera, learners must think like true inventors: diagnosing mechanical issues, balancing forces, and iterating their designs to keep their motorized artists moving.
By taking part in this session, students will:
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Understand Eccentric Motion: Discover how an off-center weight on a motor shaft creates vibration, and see how this scientific concept is used in everyday real-world technology—from smartphone buzzers to heavy machinery.
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Apply the Engineering Design Process: Experience the active cycle of designing, building, testing, and iterating. Students will troubleshoot live as they adjust the balance and structure of their moving robots.
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Build Basic Circuits: Safely connect a DC motor to a power source to create a functional, continuous electrical circuit.
Students can work in groups of 2 to 3. To ensure every group has a hands-on experience, please prepare the following materials for each building station prior to the session. Once you register, the Think Big Circle team will be happy to help your classroom prepare by assisting you in selecting the right resources for the challenge
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- 1 Body: A sturdy paper or plastic cup (12oz to 16oz works best).
- 1 Engine: A small 1.5V to 3V DC hobby motor.
- 1 Power Source: A battery holder with wire leads and the appropriate AA batteries.
- 3-4 Legs: Washable sketch pens or thin markers.
- 1 Offset Weight: A small piece of modelling clay, sticky tack, or a soft pencil eraser.
- Adhesive: A roll of masking tape or electrical tape.
- The Canvas: 1 large sheet of blank chart paper or butcher paper to catch the art.
To get the students' gears turning before the live session, we highly recommend sharing these short videos and discussion prompts with your class:
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- Watch - Engineering Design Process Explained (A great step-by-step breakdown of how engineers solve problems).
- Watch - Vibration Motors (Explore how mobile phone vibration motors work).
- Classroom Discussion Prompt: Ask your students, "Have you ever wondered what makes a video game controller or a mobile phone vibrate? How could we use that vibration to make something move
Deepakram is a Program Lead for the APAC region at Creative Hut, where he manages and supports the delivery of the Amazon Think Big Circle programme, collaborating with global partners to bring meaningful STEM learning to diverse educational contexts. With a background in Mechanical Engineering, his journey into education spans teaching, ed-tech, digital transformation, and large-scale programme and product management.
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He has worked across schools, non-profits, and international education initiatives, contributing to the design of blended programmes, learning platforms, and system-level interventions that balance innovation with real-world implementation.
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Deepakram is deeply interested in emerging technologies and their role in education, and is passionate about empowering young minds through engaging, future-focused STEM experiences that nurture curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.
