fischertechnik Recycle Symbol (Green Theme)

How to create a model of the recycling symbol using fischertechnik elements!

I play with different educational manipulatives for a living. (Visit www.weirdrichard.com). Over the years I have built different holiday themed models using all sorts of toys. To celebrate the earth, this instructable will describe how to create a model of the recycling symbol using fischertechnik elements! Building the symbol might get youngsters thinking about a greener way of life!

The universal recycling symbol is a well-recognized image used to designate recyclable materials. It is usually composed of three chasing arrows that form an unending loop. I am modelling a recycling symbol used by Taiwan. This symbol uses negative space to create arrows pointing outward.

Wikipedia's entry on recycling symbols:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_symbol

Note: The CAD looking images were generated by LDraw/MLCAD and a fischertechnik elements library.

Step 1 Gather Your Parts

You will need to gather your elements. The fischertechnik elements are available from a range of kits available from ebay, Craig's List, or fischertechnik retailers.

Elements can be purchased individually from www.fischertechnik.com.

The List:

4 Angular Block 60 Degrees
8 Angular Block 30 degrees
2 Spring Cams
22 Building Block 30s

Comments

[basscadetz]

this reminds me of a swastika. maybe the new symbol for "recycle nazi"??

[Derin]

Actually,the swastika was used in Anatolian rugs to protect themselves from a nonexistent thing called the evil eye.The Germans flipped it around and gave it a different meaning.Now everyone associates swastikas with Nazis.
Cross and swastika motifs

[Matt4_16]

Thats so true

[ftking_83702]

*sigh*

[Matt4_16]

mabye if you added some color (probably not red though)

[chardster]

It looks like a swastika in disguize...

[ftking_83702]

Please see the other comments.

[ftking_83702]

No. This model (and the recycle symbol itself) has no connection to the infamous swastika. No reference to "nazi" is implied. This is a touchy issue. fischertechnik is made in Germany.

[basscadetz]

i think people need to not be so "touchy" and lighten up. really.

[ftking_83702]

No problem. I understand that your comment was made in jest.

[PKM]

I don't see the swastika bit, really, but I do see a totally awesome negative-space four-pointed white arrow coming out from the middle. It's like the subliminal arrow in the FedEx logo.