Building with Wonderful Junk

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Topic: In this construction activity, young people have fun as they work in teams to plan and build large structures using recyclable materials brought from home. In addition to gaining experience with engineering principles, students use interpersonal skills—presenting ideas, negotiating, and organizing—skills needed in STEM²D careers.

Time: 60 minutes; implemented in one session

Materials:

  • Activity Leader Checklist

  • Tell My Story Form

  • Student Handouts (1 per student)

  • Lots of clean, wonderful junk:

    • All kinds of empty boxes (cereal boxes, show boxes, small and large cartons, gift boxes, egg cartons, etc.)

    • Cups (paper, plastic, and cardboard)

    • Tubes (paper towel tubes, toilet paper tubes, poster tubes, gift paper tubes)

    • Foil (pie plates, cake pans)

    • Plastic bottles (no cans or glass; use empty boxes, cups, cardboard tubes, foil, plastic bottles, etc.)

  • Several rolls of masking tape

  • Paper and crayons (optional)

  • Camera (optional)

Cost: US$10 (assuming the junk used is from trash) in materials costs when completing this activity with 20 students organized into teams of four to six students.