Go Back
Print

Make a Snare Type End Effector

In this activity we make a model of the snare-type end effector on the robotic arm of the International Space Station. The arm's official name is Space Station Remote Manipulator System
Prep Time20 minutes

Materials

  • 1 piece Card stock
  • 3 thin Rubber bands
  • Tape
  • Marker
  • Stapler
  • 1 Empty cardboard roll
  • Scissors
  • Small, lightweight items such as a pencil, bottle cap, paper clip.

Instructions

  • Gather the materials listed above.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Cut a piece of card stock 4" x 7".
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Wrap the card stock piece around the cardboard roll. It should overlap about 1 inch. The card stock roll should be able to move, but not be too loose. See the video below if you need clarification.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Tape the card stock tube closed. Do NOT tape it to the cardboard tube.
    Built an end effector on a model robot arm.This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Make 1 cut in each rubber band.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Make 3 marks on the card board tub, equidistant apart.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Staple one rubber band on each mark, near the top of the cardboard tube. Slide the card stock tube over the card board tube. Hang the rubber bands over the top of the card stock tube so they hand on the outside.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Tape the rubber bands to the card stock tube.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Hold the card board tube with one hand and twist the white card stock tube with the other hand.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • As you twist the rubber bands will form a triangular snare!
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.
  • Try holding different objects in the snare end effector.
    Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.

Video