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 TechnoK'NEX Build It! Program It! Control It!

TechnoK'NEX Computer Control System provides a complete hands-on learning environment that grows with your students from 1st through 9th grade and beyond.

TechnoK'NEX integrates state-of-the-art computer programming and robotics technology, easy-to-understand Software for PC and Mac, extensive, interdisciplanary curriculum and the most versatile construction materials available.

The concept is simple. Students work cooperatively to build large functioning models using K'NEX parts, Motors, Lights and Sensors. They link their model to a computer via an Interface. They then operate the model using computer programs they've written in an icon-based language, downloaded to the Interface.

TechnoK'NEX Computer Control System Benefits

• Optimum tool to teach applied technology. Allows hands-on exploration, discovery and application in a real-world learning environment.

• Sets are all-inclusive. No hidden costs as found in competitive products!

• No site licenses required. Software can be loaded on to as many computers as necessary so groups can work independently at their own skill level.

• Set design allows multiple teams to build and work with the models simultaneously.

• Extensive TechnoK'NEX customer support provided directly by K'NEX through email and a toll-free consumer hotline.

• Training and staff development packages are available.

• Extensive TechnoK'NEX customer support provided directly by K'NEX through email and a toll-free consumer hotline.

• Training and staff development packages are available.

TechnoK'NEX Curriculum Components & Benefits
TechnoK'NEX curriculum is a highly motivating series of 9-16 units. The design simulates the development of products in a real-world environment, focusing on the technology process-determining a need then developing and designing a technological product or system that solves the need.

• Building Cards for 8 large, dynamic, educational models

• Comprehensive curriculum is color-coded for ease of use with various Software modes

• Extensive, interdisciplinary Activity Cards lead students through the the four cumulative levels of TechnoK'NEX Software

• Activity Cards offer heavy concentration on journal writing, presentation skills, marketing and cooperative learning in conjunction with computer-control

• Reference Cards serve as a quick tutorial and ongoing resource for the 4 Software modes, K'NEX models & electronic components

• Detailed Educator Guides correlate directly to the activities for each of the TechnoK'NEX Software modes; provide detailed information to assist with delivery, evaluation and assessment of concepts and objectives presented in Activity Cards

• Software Manual explains features and benefits of Software, electronic components & Interface

• Handy Resource Guide organizes the TechnoK'NEX System for use in the classroom

• Correlations with National Technology and Science Education Standards available

TechnoK'NEX Software Benefits

• No prior computer or programming experience necessary; icon-based Software utilizes symbols that are fun and easy to understand

• Operates on multiple platforms including: Windows 3.11 through 2000; Mac OS 7.0 through 9.0

• PC and Mac Software included in every set

• Programming options include adjustable icon settings

• Students spiral (grades 1 to 9+) through four levels of TechnoK'NEX programming software

• Structured programming concepts include: direct control from the computer; simple, intermediate and advanced procedures; recursion; feedback control operation; open and closed loop control; collaborative programming where interfaces command each other based on sensor feedback and more

• Ability to troubleshoot programming errors by running procedures in debugging mode

• Detailed help screens enhance independent learning and problem solving

• Software stores up to 100 projects in each student's file, each with up to 100 commands and procedures

Four Levels of Programming Software
Starts out simple enough for first grade and grows to a level of sophistication appropriate for high school students and beyond. Tailor lessons to students' individual abilities using the four levels of programming.

Direct Control (Grades 1-4+)

• Operate models directly from the computer
• Use a combination of Motors and Lights
  

Automatic Control (Grades 3-4+)

• Operate models by writing procedures containing a logical sequence of commands
• Run procedures from the computer or download and run from the Interface
  

Interactive Control (Grades 5-9+)

• Integrate Sensor feedback into conditional procedures to control models
• Use Light, Touch and Rotation Sensors with Wait-Until, If-Then and If-Then-Else condition command
  

Collaborative Control (Grades 7-9+)

• Wireless communication between Interfaces
• Coordinate the operation of two or more models using radio frequency commands in downloaded procedure
  

TechnoK'NEX Software is based on software developed by TechnoLogica, a division of Phantom LLC, in conjunction with the Idea Center for Education at Tel Aviv University.

• K'NEX building parts, including new Panels and flexible Rods, combine to build 8 different models

• Models are fun, fully-functioning replicas of real-world machines with articulated movements

• Programmable, radio-frequency Leonardo Interface specially designed for school/educational use

• Each Interface has designated ID number and ability to communicate through radio frequency transmission, with or without wired connection to the computer

• Program and operate over 95 Interfaces in the same room at the same time WITHOUT interference; Interfaces can communicate with each other

• Store 6 different rewritable procedures indefinitely; memory is retained even when power source is removed or batteries expire

• TechnoK'NEX Motors operate articulated motion of models

• Dual colored Lights

• Multiple function Sensors: Light- responds to various degrees of ambient light; Touch- registers or counts touches; Rotation- counts number of rotations or angle of rotation

• K'NEX Power Supply Adapter

• K'NEX Radio Frequency Transmitter for wireless communication (optional)

• Computer cables and adapters for PC & Mac (compatible with serial ports, not USB ports