Challenge 063 · Ages 9–16
Wooden Puzzle
Create an interlocking puzzle.
Recommended Guided Learning Time: 4 hours
Learners may require additional or fewer hours depending on age, prior experience, pace and the level of development they choose to take their project to.
Primary STEAM area
Engineering
The Challenge
What will your learner investigate?
Can you create an interlocking puzzle. and explain the choices that make your solution effective?
Learning outcomes
- Define the design problem and identify useful constraints.
- Build or model a solution using an iterative engineering process.
- Test performance, analyse evidence and improve the design.
Connected learning
Design & Technology: design cycle and prototyping; Science: forces/materials/energy as relevant; Mathematics: measurement and geometry; English: design communication.
Dream Areas
Prepare for this Challenge
What you'll need
Here's what may be useful for completing this activity. Requirements may vary depending on the learner, activity format and equipment available.
Materials & consumables
- Laser-safe plywood
- interlocking digital design ready to be cut or engraved
- sandpaper
- optional trial-cut offcuts.
Equipment, tools & software
- Vector software
- laser cutter
- callipers (a tool for measuring small dimensions accurately)
- ruler
- suitable extraction/ventilation.
Safety & preparation
- Adult supervises laser and sanding
- measure material thickness and kerf to achieve a working fit
- check splinters.
These preparation notes support planning and do not replace a project-specific risk assessment or appropriate adult supervision.