Harpo's World

text and art by Sylvia Spain

comic book page about a contraption to make electricity with dog power.
Page 1

TEEGAN: Wow, what's this crazy contraption?

PERSIA AND AKANE: It's our latest invention!

TEEGAN: What's it supposed to do?

AKANE: Watch. You turn on the radio which wakes the squirrel.

PERSIA: The squirrel grabs the nut which pulls the rope which opens the trapdoor.

TEEGAN: I still don't get it.

AKANE: Wait, there's more. The weight lands on the teetertotter, and the ball bounces and tips the ramp. The roller skate rolls and kicks the bowling ball into the basket.

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Vocabulary

contraption:
A mechanical device; a gadget.

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Activity

  1. Using the same kinds of devices found in this cartoon, invent a device that picks up clothing left on the floor. Draw a diagram of your device. Then write a few sentences that describe how each part of the device helps another part work.
    Answer: Answers and drawings will vary.
A mechanical device; a gadget.