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
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