Father’s Day STEM Challenge: Cardboard Toolbox Engineer
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Last updated 5 months ago
18 Nsɛmmisa
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.
Design and build a cardboard toolbox that can safely carry real, lightweight tools.
30 minutes
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)
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.
You will check in at every step:
Ask
Imagine
Plan
Create
Test
Improve
Follow each step in order.
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
Which rules help make the toolbox safe and strong? (Choose 2.)
Sort each idea into what it mainly helps with.
Double-layer bottom
Folded corners
Cardboard handle
String handle
Cardboard dividers
Small side pocket
Stronger
Easier to carry
Organized
Write one idea to make the handle stronger.
Match the toolbox part to a good recyclable material choice.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Handle | arrow_right_alt | Two layers of cardboard |
Divider | arrow_right_alt | Rolled cardboard tube |
Side pocket | arrow_right_alt | Thin cereal-box cardboard |
Bottom support | arrow_right_alt | Paper bag strip |
Put the building steps in a good order.
Add the handle
Build the bottom and sides
Check for loose tape or gaps
Reinforce corners and the bottom
Add dividers or pockets
If something feels wobbly, you can add cardboard layers or tape to reinforce it.
What is the best way to test your toolbox?
Name one improvement you will make.
Your handle started to tear where it connects. What improvement is best?
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 tool will you use to measure or mark your plan?
What is one place on your toolbox that needs extra strength?
What happened during your test? (One short phrase.)
What should you look for during testing? (Choose 2.)
Engineers can improve a design after testing.