Here’s a simple open-ended building activity for kids of all ages – Colored craft sticks, wooden cubes, and small plastic cups! Simple materials, and yet we have been having a blast building all kinds of amazing structures with them.
This project is the second project in our Summer STEAM Camp series! This week, we are exploring with the sense of touch.
Here are the materials we used for this project: (Amazon affiliate links)
- Colored Jumbo Craft Sticks
- Wooden Cubes – I used 3/4 inch cubes from Hobby Lobby. The best option on Amazon in terms of reviews and price seems to be these 1 inch wooden cubes.
- Plastic Cups – 3 oz. size
Who knew that craft sticks, cubes, and cups could be so interesting? Extend the play and learning with these fun engineering challenges.
Challenge #1: Build a structure with one cube as the base. Yes, just one cube!
When I announced this one, the boys told me it would be impossible. So I showed them this construction which I had already built:
So then Owen came up with this:
And Gresham built this:
As long as you add pieces on both sides of your structure simultaneously, you can build some amazing designs!
Challenge #2: Using any size base, build the tallest possible structure.
Stacking craft sticks on top of plastic cups allows you to build a much more vertical structure than what you can make with cups alone.
Challenge #3: Feats of Balance. Make something stick out in an impressive way!
This structure that Aidan built seemed to defy gravity! Those cubes are really lightweight, and it was hard to believe that they could counterbalance the craft sticks and cups sticking out like that. But add enough of them…
How many cups can it hold?
And one more…
Dad made this one:
Challenge #4: What can you build with just one cup as the base?
More than you might think!
Bonus Challenge: Build a chain reaction!
Remove the first cup, and the sticks fall down in a chain! See how to make it here: Simple Popsicle Stick Chain Reactions
Like these engineering challenges? Here are more with simple materials: 5 Engineering Challenges with Clothespins, Binder Clips, and Craft Sticks
Be sure to stop by the rest of the posts in the Summer STEAM Camp series!
Easy and Colorful Magnetic Sculpture – Pink Stripey Socks
Creative Pool Noodle STEAM Fun – One Time Through
String and Bead Puzzle – What Do We Do All Day?
Learning About Slugs – Why Do Slugs Have Slime? – Lemon Lime Adventures