Kidder Excavator – Hands-On Hydraulics for Future Innovators

Bring engineering to life in your classroom with the Kidder Excavator Kit, a fully functional, build-it-yourself model that uses real hydraulic principles to move, lift, and dig.
Students don’t just learn about mechanics—they experience the science, engineering, and problem-solving that drive modern construction equipment.

Why Teachers Love It

• Active, Experiential Learning – Students construct a working model excavator from precision-cut parts, syringes, and tubing, learning how fluid power can be converted into controlled mechanical motion.

• Curriculum-Connected – Directly supports Canadian Science & Technology learning outcomes in grades 5–9:

  • Ontario: Forces Acting on Structures & Mechanisms, Understanding Systems in Action, Technological Problem-Solving.

  • BC: Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) and Science—Simple Machines, Fluids, and Forces.

  • Alberta: Structures & Mechanisms, Building Devices That Move.

• Skilled Trades Exploration – Introduces students to concepts used in heavy equipment operation, mechanical engineering, and industrial design—building awareness of pathways in construction, mechanics, and other Red Seal trades.

Classroom Benefits

• STEM Integration – Students apply principles of physics (force, pressure, and motion), engineering design, and mechanical systems.

• Collaboration & Problem-Solving – Ideal for small group work, where roles like builder, tester, and quality checker mirror real industry teamwork.

• Critical Thinking in Action – Learners troubleshoot leaks, adjust fluid levels, and refine control for smooth operation—mirroring the iterative design cycle used in engineering and skilled trades.

• Applied Math Connections – Students measure angles, calculate force, and record performance data, tying physical construction to real-world math.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Building the Kidder Excavator gives students a hands-on introduction to:

• Mechanical linkages & levers

• Hydraulic systems used in heavy machinery

• Precision measurement and alignment

• The design-build-test process followed by engineers and tradespeople

By the end of the project, students don’t just understand hydraulics—they have the confidence to see themselves in future STEM and skilled trades careers.