Here’s a fun activity to try with common materials you may already have at home. Best for ages 5 and up

What You Need

Tools and Materials

• Scissors
• Tape
• String
• Empty spools
• Cardboard tubes
• Rubber bands
• Wood spoons
• Ping pong balls or other soft balls (for launching across the room!)

Safety Note

• Caution kids against using hard objects as projectiles

What You Do

Step 1. Lay out materials
Step 2. Print a sheet of inspirational images [link]
Step 3. Design and build simple machines

What Kids Learn

• Creative Thinking → Making and tinkering; exploring whatever is on their mind
• Confidence → Using real tools and materials (“I can do it!”) and tackling challenges
• Critical Thinking → Asking questions and being experimental
• Self-Control → Focusing, paying attention and setting their own goals – and sticking to them

Parent Tips

• Hang back at first… let your child explore the materials
• Allow time for trial and error
• If your child gets stuck or a little frustrated, ask questions to guide them along (“Why do you think that happened?” or “What would happen if you tried this?”
• If needed, guide your child without taking over entirely