Cardboard Challenge
Use a box to think outside-the-box! Work with your child to construct a one-of-a-kind creation using cardboard boxes of various sizes, and then make up a narrative to go with it.
Learning Goals:
- Be Curious
- Learn to Collaborate
- Come Up with Ideas and Try Them Out
Materials Required:
- Cardboard boxes of different sizes and shapes
- Scissors
- Masking tape or painter’s tape
- Household recyclables (e.g. egg cartons, plastic containers, etc.)
- Craft supplies for decorating (e.g. markers, pipe cleaners, buttons, aluminum foil, etc.)
Instructions:
- Together with your child, brainstorm ideas for a cardboard creation. If you need help getting started, consider these questions:
- What could the creation do?
- What could the creation look like?
- What size box do you want to start with?
- Build your creation using the various boxes, recyclable materials, and tape as needed.
- Let your child decorate their creation using the craft materials you’ve collected.
- Encourage your child to create a narrative to go along with their creation. Ask them to consider questions like, What does it do? Who can use it? How does it work?
Tips for Adults:
- Start with structural materials like firm cardboard pieces. Once the basic design is done, add flourishes using materials such as paint, fabric, paper, or washi tape.
- Follow your child’s lead and interest: this project could take ten minutes, or it might stretch on for weeks. Allowing your child to return to their work over time helps deepen their learning.
- Don’t do it for them! It’s ok to let your child’s idea fail- this provides important opportunities to reflect, learn and grow.
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Bay Area Discovery Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing children with research-backed early learning experiences that inspire creative problem solving. We need your help now more than ever.