Using Fantastic Contraption to Develop a Creating Mind

My Physics students love creating machines with the online flash game, Fantastic Contraption.

This game requires users to have the aspiring creator’s characteristics which Howard Gardner describes “a generous supply of intelligence, skill and discipline”. Fantastic Contraption is easy to use; there is no account required however students may choose to become more involved online by signing up for a free account and participating in the Fantastic Contraption forum, chat or wiki development.

To play the game, students must create crazy contraptions with the moving rods and wheels. To be successful, the contraption must guide the pink object to the final destination. Students use their imagination and knowledge in physics to create a solution for each level. This game encourages the development of discipline; as with most online games, players fail frequently and are motivated to learn from it and try again. Students apply their knowledge of physics and get to tinker like their five years old again, which according to Howard Gardner is “the height of creative powers”.


Reference

Gardner, Howard. (2007). Five minds for the future. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.