Build your own Fantastic Contraption
November 14, 2008
A straight line may be the shortest distance between two points, but it’s seldom the most fun. Fantastic Contraption, an online problem-solving game, proves this concept by forcing you to go over, under and through several obstacles on your way to your goal.
The premise is simple. You get five simple tools, each of which has different properties — you have wheels that spin in different directions, two different types of axles to turn the wheels, plus the force of gravity. You then have to use these tools to try to bridge gaps, climb over (or knock down) walls, and occasionally catapult a pink dot into the goal area. Build your machines with care — if your contraption is front-heavy, count on it pitching forward if it runs into debris in your path.
Fantastic Contraption is a fun way for students to work on their problem-solving skills, as well as learn to adapt to new challenges. It’s also really fun to figure out how to advance to the goal. In the case of Fantastic Contraption, getting there is all the fun. -BILL FERRIS
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