Build
Learners assemble the core design and see how the parts work together.
Select the pack size that matches your use case
Learners build
A scrolling story machine that reveals scenes, characters, and ideas through hand-powered motion.
Learners start by building a frame and crank system that moves a paper scroll, then draw a sequence of scenes that travels through the viewer.
From there, they can redesign it as a comic, journey, science explanation, hidden reveal, collaborative story, or moving stage.
Test
They try it, notice what happens, and compare the result with their goal.
Redesign
They make changes, add their own ideas, and improve the build through iteration.
Learners explore
Create characters, settings, and moving scenes that tell a story.
Ready to run with learners
Student-facing slides introduce the concepts, guide the activity, and help learners reflect on what changed. Educator materials support setup, pacing, discussion, and extensions so this can work in classrooms, libraries, homeschool groups, clubs, or makerspaces.
View Crankie Contraption teaching materialsStudent Slides
Introduce concepts, guide build moments, and give learners reflection prompts.
Educator Guide
Setup notes, pacing help, facilitation prompts, and extension ideas.
Flexible Facilitation
Works for classrooms, homeschool groups, libraries, clubs, and makerspaces.
What's included
Choose a pack size to see how the component quantities change for one learner, a small group, or a full class.