CrunchLabs Cool Creations Countdown

Overview

Explore the top ten innovative creations from CrunchLabs over the past year, with insights into their science and DIY guidance.

Top 10 Countdown

10. Lunchtime Alert: Screaming Chicken Heads

• Replaced a standard lunchtime signal with 22 screaming chicken heads.
• Mechanism: Squeeze initiates air flow over a diaphragm, similar to a kazoo, at 100 p.s.i to signal lunchtime.

9. Science Bob's Deflagration Tube

• Platinum ticket holders see a slow-moving deflagration wave.
• A slow wave burns through tubes, ending in a small explosion-moving gas and flame.

8. Room Temperature Ice Rink

• Created with 3.5 million airsoft BBs providing a nearly frictionless surface.
• Mechanism: BBs mimic ball bearings and can be compared to simulating water particles for fluid dynamics.

7. Foldable Plywood Chairs

• Made from single sheets of plywood using CNC routing.
• Example of compliant mechanisms where solid materials can flex.

6. Water Tube and Subwoofer

• Vinyl tube uses a subwoofer to display seemingly frozen water waves.
• Filming at 30 fps syncs with vibration frequencies to create optical illusions.

5. Modified Roomba for Cleanup

• Roomba adapts with an acorn picker-upper for post-Nerf battle cleanup.

4. Award Display

• Concealed trophy case uses pulleys for hidden hardware admiration.

3. Simon Game Autobot

• Automates the iconic memory game Simon using servos and a Raspberry Pi with image detection.

2. Rocky: Rock, Paper, Scissors Robot

• Tracks hand movements; unbeatable due to rapid IR detection and response.

1. Infinite Slinky Staircase

• Custom staircase keeps slinky moving indefinitely using motion sensors and motor speed control.

DIY and Educational Opportunities

• CrunchLabs offers Build Boxes for hands-on learning and creation.
• Engineering principles are imparted through monthly projects mailed directly to participants.

Holiday Gift Suggestions

• Recommend CrunchLabs Build Box subscription for introducing practical engineering skills to children and teens.
• Participation in CrunchLabs can include chances to visit the lab based on special ticket inclusion in Build Boxes.

Explore, educate, and create with CrunchLabs projects, enhancing engineering acumen from home.