Activity 2
Exoskeleton
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Have you ever seen a crab or beetle? 🦀
You may have noticed that they have something special called an exoskeleton. An exoskeleton is a hard, protective shell that covers their body, much like how a knight wears armour. It helps keep them safe from getting hurt and supports their body so that they can move around more easily.
Some scientists and engineers are even creating special suits for people, inspired by exoskeletons! These suits can help people become stronger, walk when they have trouble moving, or even lift heavy things.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Listen to this short Podcast episode
Humans have bones inside their bodies, just like many other animals do. These bones make up our skeleton! In this podcast by ABC Kids Listen, you’ll learn about the important role skeletons play in our lives.
Step 2: Watch this video
Not all animals have internal skeletons though! Check out this video about exoskeletons.
You’ll discover how insects have hard protective shells on the outside of their bodies that keep them safe and support their bodies. You’ll also find out the challenges that these tiny creatures face, such as needing to shed their exoskeletons to grow.
Have a think about the differences between skeletons and exoskeletons.
Step 3: Check out this GIF
Some children have difficulty walking and need some extra support to do so.
Scientists have used what they know about exoskeletons in animals to help them design an exoskeleton to provide children with extra strength and stability.
Look at how this exoskeleton can provide help so that this child can walk!
Step 4: Watch these TikTok videos
Check out these TikTok’s by Eliza as she shows off our exoskeleton around the Discovery Centre.
What sort of things would you do if you had access to an exoskeleton like this?
@learning.scitechwa A wearable exoskeleton. #exoskeleton #chants #chairpants #stem #technology @scitechwa ♬ original sound - learning.scitechwa
@learning.scitechwa An exoskeleton that helps support your arms #exoskeleton #technology #stem @scitechwa ♬ original sound - learning.scitechwa
Step 5: Challenge – Protect your water balloon!
Part 1: Adults – this one is for you! Watch this quick video for helpful tips to assist your child in this activity.
Part 2: Watch the activity video
We’ve seen how exoskeletons provide strength and support to different insects. We’ve also explored how humans have created their own exoskeletons to provide strength and protection for themselves.
Part 2: Get creative!
We’ve seen how exoskeletons provide strength and support to different insects. We’ve also explored how humans have created their own exoskeletons to provide strength and protection for themselves.
In the above video, Amanda from Scitech is interested in protecting her water balloons from exploding when they hit the floor. She’s tried a few different methods to keep the water balloon safe but wants to know if you can use what you’ve learnt about exoskeletons to create something to keep the water balloon safe when dropped onto the ground from head height.
Don’t have any water balloons? No worries! Create a delicate structure out of Lego blocks that will break when dropped and then see if you can create something to protect it during its fall!
We would love to see what you have made. Share with us a photo or video of your activity and how it works!
