• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Menu
  • Science Experiments For Kids
  • Science Fair Projects
  • Science Facts
  • Science Questions
  • About
    • Emma Vanstone
    • About Science Sparks
Science Experiments for Kids
Menu
  • STEM Challenges
    • STEM Challenges
    • FREE STEM Challenge Templates
  • Early Years Science
    • Preschool Science
    • Sensory and Messy Play
    • Understanding of the World
    • Pirate Science Experiments
  • Primary Science
    • Baking Soda Experiments
    • Candy Experiments
    • Biology
    • Climate Change for Kids
    • Coding for Kids
    • Chemistry
    • Electricity for Kids
    • Magic Science Experiments
    • Harry Potter Experiments
    • Human Body Science
    • Air Pressure Experiments
    • Life Cycles
    • LEGO Science Experiments
    • Kitchen Science
    • Famous Scientists
    • Forces and Motion
    • Science Sparks Snippets
    • Key Stage 1 Science
      • Animals
      • Everyday Materials
      • Plants
      • Coding Activities
      • Humans and Health
      • Fine Motor skills
      • Science and Literacy
    • Key Stage 2 Science
      • Animals, Including Humans
      • Electricity
      • Light
      • Plants
      • Materials and their Properties
  • Holiday Science
    • Christmas Science
    • Halloween Science
    • Easter Science
  • Storybook Themed Science Experiments
  • Wonderful Women in STEM
  • FREE Science Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE Experiments
  • Science for Kids
    • Kitchen Science
    • Climate Change
    • Egg Experiments
    • Fairy Tale Science
    • Edible Science
    • Human Health
    • Chemistry
    • Inspirational Women
    • Forces and Motion
  • Science Fair Projects
  • STEM Challenges
  • Science Sparks Books
  • Contact Science Sparks
  • Science Resources for Home and School

×
Home » Engineering for kids » Design and Technology » Pneumatic K’nex Crane

Pneumatic K’nex Crane

Published: Feb 23, 2016 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

This wasn’t actually meant to be a crane, I was supposed to be creating a robotic arm like on the ISS, but it worked so well, I wanted to share anyway.

K'nex Crane

 

Materials

K’nex

Syringes and tubing

A small tub

Pipecleaners

Bean bags

Lego

Instructions

Build a K’nex crane like in the picture above, the arm just need to be one long section. We used a hairband to attach one syringe to the crane and pipe cleaners to hang a small pot.

Attach the syringes as shown. When connecting the syringes up you need to make sure that one is fully extended as the other is compressed.

 

Challenge

Find a way to stabilise the crane so it doesn’t fall over when you add weight.

DSC_2898

We found mini bean bags worked really well!

K'nex Crane

 

You can see the crane in action here.

Can you improve on our design?

Learning Outcomes

Key Stage 1  – Design and Technology

Key stage 1  – Science – Working Scientifically

ELFS – ELG 16 – Exploring and using Media and Materials

Knex pneumatic crane

Last Updated on February 24, 2016 by Emma Vanstone

More Design and Technology

  • Five Science Experiments You Can do With A Smartphone
  • love bug drawing robot made with a paper cup, motor and felt tip pens.
    Love Bug Drawing Robot STEM Challenge
  • lollystick catapults
    How to Make a Lolly or Popsicle Stick Catapult
  • Column and Lintel image
    Easy Engineering Projects for Kids

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kaj

    April 09, 2018 at 7:05 am

    Did you make your robot arm?

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Imagine a world where science education is accessible to everyone and is all about hands-on, exciting discoveries. That’s the world I want to create.

More about me

Around the World in 50 Experiments

50 experiments about countries of the world

Footer

↑ back to top

Science Sparks - FREE science experiments for kids

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Services
  • Media Kit
  • FAQ

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Science Sparks - Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd