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Directions for Erector Set Projects

Many children have an Erector set hiding in a closet or scattered over the playroom floor. Erector sets have evolved over the years with sets that can be purchased with designs for constructing things from Ferris wheels to dune buggies. Instead of using directions, be creative and find inspiration from actual buildings and bridges.

Erector Set Building
- Make a plan for the Erector set building you would like to design by making a drawing. Use the Internet to print out pictures of buildings for inspiration. Think about the desired size for the finished Erector set building and find a safe spot to begin building. Place a sturdy flat base for the Erector set building such as a piece of plywood so the finished building can be moved as desired.
  
  Begin building thinking about architecture and design of the Erector set building. Erector sets include materials that are similar to actual building materials that architects and construction workers use. Refer back to the original drawing and printed images from the Internet to motivate and assist with the Erector set building. When finished, display the building alongside the drawings and printed images from the Internet.
Erector Set Truss Bridge
- Construct a truss bridge using an Erector set. A truss bridge is designed with triangles as a design base due to its ability to help create a stable and solid structure. Print out images of truss bridges from the Internet. Draw a model of the truss bridge that you plan to create using the Erector set. Bridges span a gap between two things, so create a beginning and ending spot for the bridge out of other materials such as papier mache or Styrofoam.
  
  Build the truss bridge, making sure to put emphasis on creating solid connections with the Erector set materials to ensure a strong bridge. Create the middle section of the bridge first and then finish either end.
  
  Test the finished truss bridge to see how much weight it can withstand by rolling different sizes and weights of play cars over it.
Erector Set Modern House
- Create a free-form design reminiscent of a modern house like famous architect Frank Gehry. Look at his geometrically designed architecture using the Internet and print out images to use for inspiration. Draw a design to use as a model for the Erector set building.
  
  Build the geometric house with Frank Gehry as inspiration. Think about architectural concepts while constructing, such as where windows and doors will be located. Use Erector set materials for structure but also design.

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