Pantograph Drawing Machine
Pantograph Drawing Machine https://youtu.be/M0eTiAE3gI0 Days: 2 Mode: Pairs Take-home: Working pantograph + enlarged/reduced drawing
Teaching & key ideas
Key concepts: Linkages, pivots, geometric similarity, scale factor, constrained motion.
Hook: Trace a small shape while a second pencil draws a larger copy.
Test / evidence: Pantograph reproduces a recognizable scaled version of a simple shape.
Variables to change: Pivot positions; linkage lengths; drawing scale.
Lesson flow
Lesson plan:
Day 1: Linkage demo → assemble four-bar mechanism
Day 2: Calibrate pivot positions → trace test shapes → compare scale
Video:
Draw with a Pantograph - STEM Activity
Safety / cleanup:
Teacher handles drilling/cutting; secure pivots; keep pencil points controlled.