Engino for ages 8 and up Engino SIMPLE MACHINES set is a combination of the basic 5 sets of Discovering STEM series and covers all Simple Machines mechanisms These mechanisms offer a mechanical advantage and are crucial elements of many machines and devices They are designed to multiply or reduce force increase or decrease speed and convert one type of motion to another Build 60 working models that cover the subjects of levers the wedge the wheel and axle the screw the inclined plane the pulley as well as the more advanced gears and linkages You can find easy-to-follow building instructions for all models either online or in the booklets included The booklets provide detailed explanations of the different scientific principles applied and incorporate innovative experimental activities for hands-on learning Quiz sections for each chapter are also available to challenge your newly acquired knowledge Conduct thorough experiments and discover - the three classes of levers and the use of linkages - how to gain mechanical advantage from wheel axles and inclined planes mechanisms - how to use pulleys to change force and direction of motion - how to use cams and cranks to produce different types of motion - how to calculate gear ratio and how worm drives work The Engino Building System was invented by Costas Sisamos a former teacher and engineer for the purpose of helping students build technological models creatively and easily to experiment and learn about science and technology in a way that includes all the benefits of play Research grants from local and EU sources helped transition the three year research project into an innovative product Since then Engino has developed more snap-fit components such as gears pulleys motots and solar panels The major advantage of the Engino system is that its design flexibility enables children to build simple or complex models quickly using a small number of components