Let's Design Vending Machines

As we move closer into the future, automation will become a larger part of our lives. Interesting and quirky vending machines will continue to sprout around our cities. There are now live lobster vending machines, one that dispenses random books, an umbrella vending machine and even one selling potted plants! What will people think of next?

Printable & Activity Objectives

In this activity, your child will use their imagination to explore different types of vending machines and think of new uses for them.

It will help your child or student:

• Foster creativity and develop real world problem solving skills by identifying market gaps and new uses for automated technologies.

Let's take this design challenge to imagine what other awesome items your child would love to see inside a 24 hour vending machine.

Classroom Resources

Simple steps to start:

• Go online and check out the variety of wonderful (and sometimes weird) vending machines in the world. Click here to see some interesting ones found in Singapore. The last one will blow your mind.
• Discuss how new technologies like smartphones, RFID/NFC, robotics, A.I. powered image recognition software can help to improve and deliver new types of products and services through vending machines.
• Discuss concepts like perishability of contents, expiration dates, heating and cooling required, age-checks etc.
• Start drawing and colouring the printable worksheets.

Let's start filling these machines up!

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What's in the Printable Worksheet Pack

This printable pack consists of 12 prompted drawing and colouring sheets. It features 6 different types of vending machines typically found in malls and airports. The goal is to think about different and unique items to fill these machines.

Click on the download link below to get started. Please note that this printable pack is only for subscribers and paid members.