Introducing the new UGears STEM-lab series: Differential

The UGears STEM-lab series consists of brand new and exciting educational sets that are designed to create unique educational experiences. The STEM-lab 3d puzzles are here to help children and adults face these uncertain times of homeschooling with a new trick up their sleeves. The acronym STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM is an innovative interdisciplinary method. Students learn these disciplines through practical tasks and projects, either as a part of a team or on their own. The key principle of the materials that these STEM classes offer is the visual representation of the mechanisms’ and tools’ application in real life.

STEM disciplines were integrated in school programs in the US in the early 2000s. Research has shown that STEM classes help children boost their productivity and creativity as well as develop their problem-solving and even interpersonal skills. STEM classes provided children with hands-on knowledge of processes in the scientific world.  Researchers have also established that this gave them an advantage over other children who decided to pursue a career in science.

The UGears STEM-lab sets are different from all the other mechanical sets due to the fact that they do not feature the whole vehicle or object. Each STEM-lab set focuses on one mechanical part that is present in various human inventions. This provides a more in-depth study of each particular case.

There is yet another important message that the UGears STEM-lab series is sending at the moment. Everyone is capable of recreating a classroom environment at home with the right tools. Adding an element of play to home classes is a great way to connect with your child. this is especially important for all of us now when we are dealing with unprecedented circumstances.

Today we will be talking about the UGears STEM-lab Differential set. The Differential is an essential part of any modern motor vehicle.

UGEARS STEM-lab Differential: key features

The Differential was invented in 1827 by Onésiphore Pecqueur, an engineer of a French origin. Later, a well-known German automotive engineer, Ferdinand Porsche modified the device in the 1930s. This made it look more like the mechanism we are using at the moment.

The key role of a differential in a motor vehicle is to control the maneuverability of the car. Thanks to the differential, the wheels of our cars do not skid on every turn. Turns are also made easier. Additionally, this mechanism prevents the wheels from wheel-slip, as well as reduces tire-wear.

The STEM-lab Differential set consists of the following:

• Pocket Study Guide;
• An augmented reality (AR) STEM-lab app that allows to zoom in and out and look at the mechanism from different angles using your phone or tablet;
• Colorful assembly manual in multiple languages;
• Drive gear;
• Locking lever;
• Side gear;
• Locking clutch;
• A set of wheels.

UGEARS STEM-lab Differential: the main principle

The locking lever of the Differential has two positions: 1 (up) and 2 (down). To unlock both wheels, simply put the lever in the first (upright) position. To make each turn smoother, the Differential will be locking each wheel separately from the other. The ‘down’ (second) position of the lever allows the wheels to spin simultaneously. The locking levers of the wheel can, however, lock both wheels at the same time as well.

Just like all the other UGears 3d puzzle set, the STEM-lab series is made entirely from eco-friendly materials and does not need anything else apart from what is included in the box.