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Length: Approximately 2 hours (can be divided into multiple sessions if necessary)
Description: Children ages 7 and older will team up to put their STEM skills to the test to design, build, code, and test a human-sized cardboard maze.
Activity: Cardboard boxes can be lots of fun. For this program, we will be taking several large cardboard boxes and putting them together to create a maze. Space permitting, you will want to start with at least 20 boxes. Working together, children will be challenged to design a maze using the cardboard boxes and any other supplies they may need (see below for list). The maze can be assembled using one of two different techniques. Staff members can determine the technique ahead of time, or they can leave it up to the kids. Click on the options below to see YouTube videos of each:
Once the technique has been determined, the building begins. Children connect the boxes to form the shape of the maze, as per their design, cutting pass-through holes if necessary (this step may require adult assistance).
Once the maze has been constructed, children are challenged to guide someone through it utilizing basic coding techniques, as detailed in this Coding a LEGO Maze article. For the purpose of this program, each box would be considered one "space."
Supplies
Supplies
Large cardboard boxes (at least 20 if possible)
Large binder clips (if creating an open-top maze)
Wide packing tape or duct tape (if creating a tunnel maze)
Scissors (for cutting tape)
Makedo tools can be used in lieu of the knife/box cutter and tape/clips, if desired
Modification of the Program: This program can be modified depending on available time. For a shorter program, remove the coding portion of the program. For a longer program, add a science component by making "traps" at the dead ends in the maze. These traps can include a baking soda volcano, water bottle rocket, catapults, or anything else the kids come up with! Be advised that additional supplies will be necessary for the science traps chosen. You can also add an art component (making it STEAM instead of just STEM) and have the kids decorate the cardboard boxes with whatever art supplies you have on hand.
Marketing: This program should be advertised in a library newsletter, on the library calendar, and with flyers posted within the library. Encourage library non-users to attend the program by also posting the flyer on community bulletin boards around town, such as in town hall, at local businesses, and at local youth program facilities. If school is in session, partner with local schools to have the program flyer distributed to elementary and middle school students.
Supplemental information or sites: For more ideas on cardboard creations, check out the Makedo website.
Resources Used
Resources Used
Boiron, Betty. "3 Simple Popsicle Stick Catapult Designs." Mombrite, https://www.mombrite.com/popsicle-stick-catapult/ . Accessed 6 August 2020.
"How to Make a Box Maze for Kids: Crafts for Kids! | Box House for Kids." YouTube, uploaded by Jones Family Travels, 15 September 2014,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXXyea3Tz1I.
Kelman, Vanessa. "STEM @ Home Make a Bottle Rocket." YouTube, uploaded by Cora J. Belden Library, 27 April 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=i0LHyxM_R1M.
Lewis, Kara. "Simple Science: Easy Baking Soda Volcano." The Joys of Boys, https://thejoysofboys.com/baking-soda-
volcano/#:~:text=Easy%20Baking%20Soda%20Volcano%201%20Tape%20the%20cup,the%20inside%20of%20the%20cup.%20More%20items...%20.
Accessed 6 August 2020.
Makedo. https://www.make.do/pages/gallery. Accessed 6 August 2020.
"MAZES FOR KIDS Kids cardboard maze tunnel with hideout VIDEO PART II." YouTube, uploaded by KidsFunCo, 15 September 2016,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImhJj9Zl0YE.
Michelle. "Coding a LEGO Maze." ResearchParent, 16 February 2016, https://researchparent.com/coding-a-lego-
maze/#:~:text=Coding%20a%20LEGO%20Maze%20%E2%80%93%20A%20different%20approach,develop%20the%20physical%20code%20required%20to
%20complete%20it.. Accessed 6 August 2020.
Graphics used in flyer courtesy of Adobe Spark.
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