LEGO Simple Mechanisms Projects using WeDo Sets

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Ms. G

Introduction

I have here attempted to construct imitations of the 17 projects of LEGO set #9630 (Simple Mechanisms), plus its expansion motor set #9615. I have used parts instead from the newer LEGO WeDo sets #9580 and #9585.

Why

I once found, neglected in a classroom, an original, barely-used "Simple Mechanisms" set from LEGO Education (set #9630). I fell in love.

Cover of LEGO Education set #9630 "Simple Mechanisms"

Alas, set #9630 in not made any more. The current analog in set #9686 "Simple & Powered Machines Set." Anyway, I did not have a budget to acquire new classroom sets, but I did already have WeDo sets in my classroom.

WeDo sets may be found in an increasing number of classrooms; they are intended to be introductory robotics sets but include lots of basic mechanism parts and projects.

Overview of the package and contents of LEGO WeDo set # 9585.
0_overview_LEGO-WeDo-Ext-set_9585_2.pngOverview of the package and contents of LEGO WeDo set # 9585.

So, I decided to try to build the 9630 projects using the WeDo sets (mostly, it turns out, using the add-on or "Resource Set" #9585). The results are what you see here.

Inventories of the Sets

You can use these images and files to see the parts inventory for each set.

Inventory of parts for LEGO WeDo set 9585, laid out flat and organized.
0-inventory_LEGO-WeDo-Ext-set-9585.pngInventory of parts for LEGO WeDo "Resource Set" 9585, laid out flat and organized.


Download: 0-inventory_LEGO-WeDo-Ext-set-9585.lxf


Inventory of parts (laid out in order) for LEGO Education Set 9630
LEGO-Education_set-9630_Simple-Mechanisms_Inventory-Insert.pngInventory of parts (laid out in order) for LEGO Education Set 9630


Download: Cover and Inventory Insert from LEGO Education set #9630 "Simple Mechanisms"

You can see the similarities between the WeDo parts and the Simple Mechanisms parts.

File Types and Sources

In this collection I will provide, or point to, these kinds of files:

  • PDF - scans of the original instruction booklets from the 9630 set (&/or links to their locations on the web) [I do NOT hold any rights to these files.]
  • JPG - photos of the WeDo parts needed, or finished projects built with WeDo parts
  • LXF - 3-D models made with LEGO Digital Designer, closely matching the exact real-world parts (including shape/size, color, and placement) (but not always perfect)
  • PNG - image "snapshots" of the 3-D models
  • Videos -- on YouTube; action demos of some of the projects

Original Instructions for 9630

You can download the original instruction booklets/pages for the 9630 set (AKA set 9630-1) from these sources:

Project A Structures


Overview

Introduces some basic construction principles and structural elements, such as how triangles are stronger than squares.

Uses pieces from WeDo set 9585.

Pieces from set 9585 for Project A
0-A pieces from 9585_1.jpgPieces from set 9585 for Project A


Photos of Pieces

photos show pieces from WeDo set 9585

Close-up view (1/2) of the pieces needed for Project A.
0-A pieces from 9585_2.jpgClose-up view (1/2) of the pieces needed for Project A.


Close-up of the pieces (2/2) needed for project A
0-A pieces from 9585_3.jpgClose-up of the pieces (2/2) needed for project A


Building Guide


Download: LEGO-Education_set-9630_booklet-A_structures.pdf


Project B Levers

several photos/views; uses pieces from WeDo set 9585

Overview


Overview of Project B1 from LEGO set # 9630 , with makeshift weight; made from LEGO WeDo set # 9580.
Project B1: Lever, with makeshift weightProject B1, a simple Class 1 lever; with a makeshift weight. Made with pieces from LEGO WeDo set # 9585 (add-on set).


Project B7, a weight-balance for experimenting with lever physics. Made with pieces from LEGO WeDo Set 9585 (add-on set).
Project B7: The Classic BalanceProject B7, a classic weight-balance-scale for experimenting with lever physics. Made with pieces from LEGO WeDo Set # 9585 (add-on set).


Photos of Pieces


The pieces you will need (from LEGO WeDo Set # 9585) in order to build the B: Levers projects.
0-B pieces from 9585.jpgThe pieces you will need (from LEGO WeDo Set # 9585) in order to build the B: Levers projects.


Building Guide


Project C Misc. Simple Mechanisms

several photos/views; uses pieces from WeDo set 9585

Overview


Misc. demonstrations of simple mechanisms using combinations of wheels, axles, levers, pulleys, weights etc. Using pieces from set 9585.
Example projects from booklet CMisc. demonstrations of simple mechanisms using combinations of wheels, axles, levers, pulleys, weights etc. Using pieces from set 9585.


Photos of Pieces


The pieces needed from LEGO WeDo Set # 9585. The coins in the gearbox are just another makeshift weight.
0-C pieces from 9585_2.jpgThe pieces needed from LEGO WeDo Set # 9585. The coins in the gearbox are just another makeshift weight.


Building Guides / Steps


Project C2, using coins in a gearbox as weight.
Project C2: a simple cartProject C2, using coins in a gearbox as weight.


Projects C4 and C5. Try grabbing each different crank handle to get the effect of different-size cranks.
Projects C4 and C5: Crank-and-pulley lifting systemProjects C4 and C5. Try grabbing each different crank handle to get the effect of different-size cranks.


Comparing a shared axle with independent axles. See the next photo for another option on parts.
Projects C6 & C7: Wheel-and-axle systemsComparing a shared axle with independent axles. See the next photo for another option on parts.


Projects C6 & C7: alternative pieces
A simple roller-conveyor system demonstration. More complex conveyor systems to come in future projects!
Project C8: Roller conveyorA simple roller-conveyor system demonstration. More complex conveyor systems to come in future projects!


Project D Gears

several photos/views; uses pieces from WeDo set 9585

Overview


Photos of Pieces


Building Guide


Project E Pulleys


Overview

Uses pieces from WeDo set 9585.

See also YouTube videos at
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLhvBJCcntLaLxSmv0GYCR8FBtf7zh069

Photos of Pieces

Several photos/views.

Building Guide


Project F Worm Gear


Overview

Uses pieces from WeDo set #****

Photos of Pieces

Several photos/views.

Building Guide


Project G Motor Add-On


Overview

Uses pieces from WeDo set #****

Photos of Pieces

Several photos/views.

Building Guide


Project 1 Folding Lawn Chair


Overview

A reclining, fold-up lawn chair with adjustable backrest angle. Ready for the beach or backyard.

Uses pieces from WeDo set 9585.

3-D model of project 1 lawn chair, using WeDo set 9585


Photos

several photos/views


LDD Model


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