Simple Machines: Riri Bear’s Engineering Mission

A Preschool Learning Journey on Simple Machines

Oh no! Riri Bear needs help. His shelter has been damaged, heavy objects need moving, and there are problems to solve. In this hands-on STEM adventure, children become little engineers as they explore simple machines, tackle building challenges and discover how everyday inventions help make work easier.

Through guided exploration, teamwork and experimentation, children will learn by doing as they help Riri Bear complete his missions.

  • "Our K2 class recently attended the Simple Machines learning journey at Riri’s Children Playloft and they curated such a wonderful and enriching “Simple Machines” learning experience for them. The programme was thoughtfully planned, engaging, and highly interactive, allowing the children to learn through meaningful hands-on exploration and play. The facilitators were warm, patient, and encouraging throughout the session, which helped the children feel comfortable and excited to participate. It was heartwarming to see the children so enthusiastic and eager to share what they had learnt after the visit. Some were even asking if they could return again! We truly appreciate the effort and care put into creating such a fun and educational environment for young learners. Thank you once again for making the experience so memorable and enjoyable for both the children and teachers."

    —My First Skool @ Block 541 Ang Mo Kio

Programme Flow

Children take part in a 30-minute guided session led by our Play Guide, where they explore how simple machines help us solve problems and make everyday tasks easier. Through interactive discussion, visual storytelling and hands-on challenges, children are introduced to concepts such as:

  • how ramps help objects move more easily

  • how levers can help lift or move things

  • how pulleys help us raise objects

  • how screws are used to build and hold structures together

  • how simple machines appear in our everyday lives

Children will receive a Mission Sheet and take on a series of engineering challenges to help Riri Bear, including:

  • building a ramp to help toy vehicles travel faster or further

  • rebuilding Riri Bear's collapsed shelter using construction materials

During an interactive problem-solving presentation, children are invited to help Riri Bear overcome different obstacles by identifying which simple machine might be most useful for each situation. Children then rotate through hands-on mission stations where they build, test, experiment and refine their ideas through guided exploration.

Learning Objectives

Through this learning journey, children will:

  • develop curiosity through exploration and experimentation

  • recognise simple machines in everyday life

  • understand how simple machines help make work easier

  • practise problem-solving through testing and improving ideas

  • develop teamwork and communication skills through collaborative challenges

  • build confidence in expressing observations and solutions

Learning Themes Supported

  • Simple Machines

  • STEM Discovery

  • Engineering & Design

  • Problem-Solving

  • Exploration & Inquiry

Programme Duration: 90 minutes

  • Facilitated activities: 45 minutes

  • Free play exploration: 45 minutes

Recommended For

  • Kindergarten 1 and 2. This programme is especially suitable for preschools exploring themes such as simple machines, young inventors and STEM.

Teacher Notes

This programme introduces simple machine concepts through play, exploration and problem-solving rather than formal instruction.

Children are encouraged to think like engineers as they test ideas, make observations and experiment with different solutions to help Riri Bear complete his missions.

The focus is on the learning process rather than arriving at a single correct answer. Children may approach challenges differently, and Play Guides will support them through questioning, prompting and discussion.

Hands-on mission stations encourage children to explore concepts such as cause and effect, movement, construction and design while developing persistence and creative thinking.

Teachers are welcome to participate alongside the children to support discussion, observation and connections to classroom learning.

Other Learning Journeys at Riri’s Children Playloft

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