Mini Maker Sessions
Crafting Resilience One Make at a Time
Embedded Files
Spaghetti Tower
Spaghetti Tower
Objective: With your shoulder partner build a free standing tower that supports the ping pong ball.
Materials
1 piece of paper
10 pieces of spaghetti
12 inches Tape
Ping Pong Ball in a cup
Constraints/Rules
You can break spaghetti
You can tape to desk
Hands off when time is up... must be self supporting!
Tools (cannot be part of your build)
NONE
Resources... google?
Bridge Building
Bridge Building
Objective: With your shoulder partner build a bridge that spans 12" and can hold the provided weight! There can be no center supports!
Materials (these are the only items you can use for the structure)
2 piece of paper
6 inches Tape
Letter Stamp Weight
Constraints/Rules
Bridge must span at least 12" from bottom of cups
You can tape to desk!
Hands off when time is up.
Tools (cannot be part of your build)
Scissors
Ruler
Resources
Catapult
Catapult
Objective: With your shoulder partner build a catapult that can launch the dice the furthest. The measurement will be from the landing... not the roll!
Tools (cannot be part of your build)
Scissors
Ruler
Constraints/Rules
Design should be mobile so we can move it to the launch pad to test!
Hands off when time is up
Materials: (these are the only items you can use for the structure)
Paper (unlimited)
12 inches Tape
Cup
1x Binder Clip
1x Rubber-band
3x balsa sticks
Resources
Loop Plane
Loop Plane
Objective:
Design and build a glider or airplane that incorporates at least one hoop element (made from any material) and can fly the farthest horizontal distance. Consider the variables in each build pictured and how adjusting the variables might make a difference in flight.
Materials:
Variety of paper and cardstock
Wooden sticks
Tape (masking, clear, etc.)
Paper clips
Tools:
Scissors
Rulers
Markers, pencil, crayon
Constraints:
Must incorporate at least one hoop element in the design.
Must be launched by hand (no external launchers).
No pre-made components (e.g., pre-built gliders or airplanes).
Resources
https://www.instructables.com/Hoop-GliderAirplane-STEAM-Activity/
https://www.alcosan.org/educational-activities/parent-resources/hoop-glider-challenge
https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/the-ring-wing-glider/
The Da Vinci Bridge
The Da Vinci Bridge
Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance genius, inventor, artist. His inventions were unique for their forward-thinking designs and practical applications. We are going to try and recreate one of his inventions!
Objective:
Design and construct a Da Vinci bridge using only the provided materials that spans the longest distance.
Materials:
12x12" long wood sticks
6x4" long wood sticks
Tools:
None
Constraints:
Must be free standing.
Must not use any fasteners or adhesives and be self supporting!
Paper Airplane Contest
Paper Airplane Contest
Objective:
Design different paper airplanes and test which flies the farthest or longest.
Use this website to help you with this challenge!
Please Name your Paper Airplane and decorate it to set it apart from everyone else!
Materials:
Paper of various sizes.
Paper clips
Scotch tape
Tools:
None
Constraints:
Airplanes will be measured by distance!
All throws will be from the safe launch zone!
Flextangle
Flextangle
Objective:
Design and construct a functional Flextangle that demonstrates understanding of folding patterns, symmetry, craftsmanship, and spatial reasoning.
Materials:
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Scissors
Rulers
Tools:
Template
Glue
Scissors
Constraints:
All folds must be crisp and precise.
You have 30 minutes to complete your flextangle.
Each face of your flextangle must be decorated.
Steps:
Get a template
Draw different designs in each row of triangular sides. Refer to the Pattern Guide on our template for the row layout. Be sure to connect the designs at the tick marks.
Cut along bold line.
Crease dashed lines face to face. Unfold.
Crease diagonal lines back to back. Unfold.
Gently fold paper to match dot to dot and form a tube.
Add glue on tabs marked GLUE and press together.
Add glue on end tabs and tuck into open end of tube. Press to seal. Let dry.
Video Tutorial:
Tensegrity Table
Tensegrity Table
"Tensegrity" is a way to build things using sticks that push out and strings that pull in. The sticks don't touch each other, and the strings hold them up. It's like a floating sculpture made of pushes and pulls!
Objective:
Design and construct a small-scale tensegrity table using only wood sticks, string/yarn, and plywood.
Materials:
1/4" dowel
Wood plate
String
Sandpaper
Tools:
Drill
Hot Glue
Miter Shears
Constraints:
The table should use no fasteners.
The table should support a load..
All Tables should be symmetrical.
You cannot use any other materials, such as glue, tape, or fasteners.
Your tensegrity table must stand on its own without any external support.
The compression members must not touch each other.
Resources
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