April Makerspace projects

Check out these fun challenges from April!

Parachutes

Your engineering challenge this week is to design a parachute that will hang in the air the longest. But instead of just making one parachute, you'll be making several parachutes and comparing them. The goal here is to test out different variables. What is a variable? A variable is a characteristic, quantity, or condition that can change. In the case of your parachutes, each parachute will be slightly different because you will change what the parachutes are made of and the size of the parachutes.

First, let’s get started with two short videos about the history and science of parachutes. Then open the document for directions about how to do this experiment.

And we would love to see a photo or video of your parachute project! Share with Ken or ask for advice at khoo@apch.org.

History of the Parachute

Playtime with Parachutes

Parachute Challenge

Parachute challenge

Wind-powered Car

April 22 was the 50^th anniversary of the first Earth Day! First celebrated in 1970, this event now brings together more than a billion people around the world to raise awareness about the need to take global action to protect the environment. Using alternative energy sources, like wind and solar, is one important way to help fight climate change. So this week’s challenge is to design and build a car that uses wind power to move. Open the document to the right to learn more!

Wind-Powered Car Challenge

Catapult

Your next challenge is to make a catapult. Do you have some jelly beans or marshmallows around that you just really want to send flying across the room? (First make sure it’s okay with your family!) Gather your Makerspace materials and try out this fun activity!

Catapults

Watch this first slideshow to learn more about catapults and the simple machine that it uses to launch objects. At the end you’ll see directions to help you design your own catapult. It's best to view the presentation by clicking on the icon in the top right corner.

Catapults, part 2

Watch this slideshow after you've used your creativity to build your own catapult. Here you'll find pictures of catapults other people have made, and a video about the science behind how they work.

Marble Run

Let's create a marble run! What is a marble run? Basically, a marble run is a slide or ramp that a marble can roll down without falling off before reaching the end. It can be very simple, or it can include drops, spirals, and funnels. You can create a marble run inside a box or shoebox lid, attached to a wall, or free-standing.

What kind of materials do you need? Some of the items you can use are cardboard, paper towel tubes or toilet paper rolls, tape, and scissors. But you can also try out paper, straws, and paper or plastic cups. And, of course, you’ll need a marble – or if you don’t have a marble, find something else small and round that can roll!

Educational Activities for Kids: Marble Run Challenge

Watch this video to see 3 examples of marble runs and learn some of the science behind this challenge.

Ramps: A Super, Simple Machine

Marble runs utilize a simple machine called an inclined plane. This video explains more about inclined planes help us do work.

Photos for inspiration.

Basketball hoop

Although the March Madness college basketball tournament was canceled this year, that shouldn't stop you from having some basketball fun! Can you use materials from around the house to create a basketball goal? A goal has two parts: the round hoop and the backboard. Do you want it to be on a pole that's attached to the ground ? Or do you want it to fit over the top of a door like an indoor toy hoop? Use your imagination and see what you can build!

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