What Students Will Learn
Students will explore fundamental principles of hydraulics, mechanical advantage, and engineering design by constructing a fully functional excavator arm. Through hands-on assembly and experimentation, learners will understand how fluid pressure transfers force to create motion, and how lever systems amplify input forces. The kit encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and iterative design as students test and refine their excavator's lifting and digging capabilities.
Who It's For
This kit is designed for students in Years 5 to 10, with curriculum connections across Science, Design and Technologies, and Engineering. It is suitable for classroom use in STEM electives, extension programs, and science units focusing on forces, simple machines, and energy transfer. The project can be adapted for individual or small group work.
Australian Curriculum Links
The DIY Hydraulic Excavator STEM Project Kit aligns with the Australian Curriculum for Science, Design and Technologies, and the STEM F-10 framework. In Science, it supports content descriptions on forces and motion (ACSSU117, ACSSU229) and the transfer of energy (ACSSU155). In Design and Technologies, it addresses processes and production skills (ACTDEK023, ACTDEK029) including selecting materials, testing designs, and evaluating solutions. The kit also supports the STEM F-10 focus on investigating real-world problems and applying systems thinking.
Coding Platform
No coding required. This kit focuses on mechanical and hydraulic systems, providing a tangible, screen-free learning experience. Students engage directly with physical components to understand cause and effect, making it ideal for classrooms without access to digital devices or for teachers seeking to integrate unplugged STEM activities.
What's in the Box
Each kit includes pre-cut wooden components for the excavator frame and arm, syringes, plastic tubing, a pivot pin set, a glue tube, and illustrated assembly instructions. All materials are durable and designed for repeated classroom use. The syringes and tubing are pre-tested for airtight seals to ensure reliable hydraulic action. No additional tools are required for assembly.
Classroom Setup & Requirements
This kit is low-fuss and requires minimal classroom preparation. Each student or group will need a flat work surface, a small container of water for testing the hydraulic system, and access to a sink for cleanup. Assembly takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes, with additional time recommended for experimentation and modification. The kit is designed for reuse; components can be disassembled and stored for future cohorts.
Support & Warranty
All Stemology products are covered by a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects. If any component is faulty or missing, we will replace it promptly. For support, contact our team at admin@stemology.com.au. Our educators are available to assist with curriculum alignment, classroom implementation, and troubleshooting.
Bulk & School Orders
We offer competitive bulk pricing for orders of 10 kits or more, making it cost-effective for whole-class or year-level implementation. Schools can place orders via purchase order (PO) – simply email your PO to admin@stemology.com.au or select the invoice option at checkout. For custom class sets or multi-year bundles, please contact us for a tailored quote.
