Father’s Day STEM Challenge: Cardboard Toolbox Engineer

Last updated 3 months ago

18 Nsɛmmisa

Akwankyerɛ

In this 30-minute STEM challenge, you will design and build a cardboard toolbox that can hold real (light) tools. You will follow the Engineering Design Process and check in at each step: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve. Use only recyclable materials you can find at home or in the classroom. Submit your answers and drawings at each checkpoint before moving to the next step.

Cardboard Toolbox Engineer (Father’s Day STEM Challenge)

Goal

Design and build a cardboard toolbox that can safely carry real, lightweight tools.

Time

30 minutes

Materials (recyclable / easy to find)

Choose what you have:

Cardboard (cereal boxes, shipping boxes)
Paper bags / scrap paper
Newspaper
Paper towel tubes
String or yarn
Rubber bands
Masking tape or painter’s tape
Glue (optional)

Safety & testing tools (teacher/guardian provides)

Pick light tools for testing (examples):

Screwdriver
Tape measure
Small wrench
Pliers (lightweight)

Do not test with heavy tools (like a hammer) or anything sharp.

Engineering Design Process checkpoints

You will check in at every step:

Ask
Imagine
Plan
Create
Test
Improve

Follow each step in order.

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Write one idea to make the handle stronger.

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Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Handle		Two layers of cardboard
Divider		Rolled cardboard tube
Side pocket		Thin cereal-box cardboard
Bottom support		Paper bag strip

Draggable item		Corresponding Item
Handle		Two layers of cardboard
Divider		Rolled cardboard tube
Side pocket		Thin cereal-box cardboard
Bottom support		Paper bag strip

Father’s Day STEM Challenge: Cardboard Toolbox Engineer

Cardboard Toolbox Engineer (Father’s Day STEM Challenge)

Goal

Time

Materials (recyclable / easy to find)

Safety & testing tools (teacher/guardian provides)

Engineering Design Process checkpoints

Write one idea to make the handle stronger.

Cardboard Toolbox Engineer (Father’s Day STEM Challenge)

Goal

Time

Materials (recyclable / easy to find)

Safety & testing tools (teacher/guardian provides)

Engineering Design Process checkpoints

Which rules help make the toolbox safe and strong? (Choose 2.)

Sort each idea into what it mainly helps with.

Write one idea to make the handle stronger.

Match the toolbox part to a good recyclable material choice.

What tool will you use to measure or mark your plan?

Put the building steps in a good order.

If something feels wobbly, you can add cardboard layers or tape to reinforce it.

What is the best way to test your toolbox?

What happened during your test? (One short phrase.)

Name one improvement you will make.

Your handle started to tear where it connects. What improvement is best?

ReflectionIn 3–5 sentences, explain:What worked well in your toolbox designWhat you changed (or would change) to make it strongerHow your toolbox shows you followed the Engineering Design Process

Reflection

Which rules help make the toolbox safe and strong? (Choose 2.)

Name one lightweight tool you will test with.

Which toolbox goal is best for this challenge?

Sort each idea into what it mainly helps with.

Match the toolbox part to a good recyclable material choice.

In the Plan step, you should decide where the handle will attach.

What tool will you use to measure or mark your plan?

What is one place on your toolbox that needs extra strength?

Put the building steps in a good order.

If something feels wobbly, you can add cardboard layers or tape to reinforce it.

What is the best way to test your toolbox?

What happened during your test? (One short phrase.)

What should you look for during testing? (Choose 2.)

Name one improvement you will make.

Your handle started to tear where it connects. What improvement is best?

Engineers can improve a design after testing.

ReflectionIn 3–5 sentences, explain:What worked well in your toolbox designWhat you changed (or would change) to make it strongerHow your toolbox shows you followed the Engineering Design Process

Reflection

Name one lightweight tool you will test with.

Which toolbox goal is best for this challenge?

In the Plan step, you should decide where the handle will attach.

What is one place on your toolbox that needs extra strength?

What should you look for during testing? (Choose 2.)

Engineers can improve a design after testing.

Reflection
In 3–5 sentences, explain:
What worked well in your toolbox design
What you changed (or would change) to make it stronger
How your toolbox shows you followed the Engineering Design Process

Reflection
In 3–5 sentences, explain:
What worked well in your toolbox design
What you changed (or would change) to make it stronger
How your toolbox shows you followed the Engineering Design Process