Creativity applied to technology At Colegio Internacional de Granada, we always strive to make learning a combination of theory and practice. In this case, our 2nd-year ESO students have been immersed in a very special Technology workshop, where the challenge was to build a moving toy inspired by the classic Taruguines. This project allowed them to put everything they learned in class into practice while developing their skills in creativity, design, and construction.
The challenge of building from scratch Students had to work in teams to design and create their own moving toys based on rotation mechanisms and balanced structures. By facing this challenge, students applied what they learned about forces, movement, and mechanics, achieving truly surprising results. At our secondary school in Granada, we seek to have students face challenges that allow them to apply technical concepts creatively.
Balance and mechanisms in play One of the greatest challenges was getting the toys to remain balanced while in operation. This involved working precisely with materials, calculating the forces involved, and applying logical thinking to ensure the rotation mechanism functioned correctly. At our bilingual school in Granada, these activities help students understand the principles of physics in a practical way.
The personal touch of each team But it wasn’t all just technical construction. Each team had the opportunity to personalize their toy, giving it their own style and creativity. Unique paints, shapes, and details reflected the personality of each group, making each toy a true piece of functional art. This personalization process allows students to express their creativity while continuing to learn design and manufacturing concepts.
Learning by playing and creating The most exciting part of this workshop is how the students managed to bring classroom theory to life in such a fun and educational way. Seeing the mechanisms come to life and how teamwork was reflected in each toy allowed them to internalize concepts more effectively. Furthermore, the sense of satisfaction in seeing the toys work was a clear motivator to keep learning.
A challenge full of learning and fun The combination of mechanics, balance, and design resulted in an acrobatic combat full of excitement. Students competed against each other to see who had created the most functional, balanced, and original toy. This dynamic fostered teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation—key skills for their academic and personal development.
Learning as part of the experience At Colegio Internacional de Granada, we believe the best way to learn is to experiment and put what has been learned into practice. This Technology workshop not only taught scientific and engineering concepts but also allowed students to develop social, communication, and creative skills while having fun and sharing ideas.
