Ready to be part of an epic day?
We’re looking for creative teams to bring the six simple machine steps to life through an exciting chain reaction! Think outside the box, get hands-on, and have fun building something amazing.
How to apply to be part of this day
Here’s everything you need to do to enter the challenge:
- Check your availability – Make sure you’re available on 19 January 2027 (important!)
- Build your team – Gather a team of 4-6 people.
- Create a chain reaction – Build a sample chain reaction using at least 3 of the 6 simple machines steps (see steps below), to show us what you can create.
- Film your simple machine steps in action – Keep your video to a maximum of 2 minutes.
Our top tip: It’s not about cramming in as many machine steps as possible. We want to see your creativity, clever use of reusable materials, and, above all, FUN! - Submit your video – Upload your entry by 15 December.
How will the winners be chosen?
We’ll select 20 teams to join us for the big day, and 4 additional teams will earn their place through a People’s Choice vote!
What are the 6 simple machine steps?
There are six classic simple machine steps:
- Lever (Can you push it? Can you pull it?)
- Wheel and axle (Can you spin it? Can you crank it?)
- Pulley (Can you hoist it? Can you drop it?)
- Inclined plane (Can something roll down?)
- Wedge (Can you drive it in? Can you hammer it?)
- Screw (Can you turn it?)
Get creative and use at least 3 of these 6 simple machine steps in your chain reaction entry. How you bring them together is entirely up to you!
We can’t wait to see what you create. Let your imagination run wild, get building, and most importantly, have fun! Happy building!
FAQs
Is there a minimum age for team members?
There’s no minimum or maximum age! Families are welcome to team up so even preschoolers can join in, with a little help from their grown-up helpers.
How do I take part in this event?
We are currently looking for teams that would like to be part of the day. Anybody can apply and we select 24 teams to be our NZ attempt teams.
Why are you selecting 24 teams when there are only 12 teams participating?
We will be running a 9am session and a 2pm session on the 19th January, in each session 12 teams will be participating. We will also select a few back-up teams in case one of the teams pulls out just before the event.
How can I enter to be selected?
Send us a video of a simple machine/chain-reaction you have created with at least 3 different simple machine steps. Keep the video to a maximum of 2 minutes
How will the teams be selected?
Our judging panel will be made up of inventors, makers, and engineers. They will judge entries based on creativity, the clever use of recyclable/reuseable materials and the fun aspect.
What if our team doesn’t get selected?
No worries! This event on the 19th January is open to the public to enjoy as spectators. Come down to Masonic Park on the day to watch what the teams create, meet Joseph Herscher and have a go at building a mini chain-reaction with our creative crew.