Scribble machines are a low-barrier/high-ceiling project, which integrates art and design with basic science. Students use commonplace items to create a small “bot” that draws as it wiggles about.

Building a scribble machine is an exercise in design, experimentation, persistence, and observation. Students will incorporate basic circuitry into their machines and have the opportunity to be creative in their exploration. This project is structured such that teachers provide minimal instruction, and students learn through the process of design, test, and redesign. We encourage you to customize this project to the needs of your class, but maintain the idea of keeping students engaged through inquiry, and giving them ownership of their learning through exploring.