STEAM

STEAM Challenge #1: Design a Robotic Hand

Introductory Videos:

WNY: teens design prosthetic hands for local kids

Children Make Prosthetic Hands

Based on the videos about prosthetic hands, design a robotic hand using the materials below. Your hand should be able to pick up various small items. Your group needs to:

    1. Develop a plan and create a detailed diagram. Each group member should have a copy of the diagram in his or her science notebook.

    2. Gather supplies

    3. Build robotic hand

    4. Test hand

    5. Make improvements

    6. Repeat steps as needed

Materials

  • Cup

  • paper towel roll or toilet paper roll

  • 5 - 6 Drinking straws

  • Chord or string

  • Sharp pencil or toothpick

  • Tape

  • Rubber bands

  • Piece of clay or Play-Doh

  • 3 - 4 Paper clips

  • Scissors

You should design a hand that can pick up as many of the our sample items as possible: Items include a sponge, marker, cup, and ball.

Links to videos for inspiration:

STEAM robotic hand

How to make a robotic hand with cardboard

STEAM Project Ideas: How to make a robotic hand


STEAM Challenge #2: Make an Arcade Game

Introductory Videos:

Based on the videos about Caine's Arcade, design an arcade game for our kindergarten buddies to use. You may work individually or in a group. Materials must be from our list or approved by a teacher. Try to make your games engaging, easy to understand, and challenging in an age-appropriate way. Make your games visual interest and creative. You can copy an existing game or design a completely original one.


Possible Arcade Games

  • Knock down pins

  • Ring toss

  • Racing game

  • Bean bag toss / Corn hole

  • Basketball

  • Tic Tac Toe

  • Fishing game

  • Target game

  • Pinball

  • Plinko

  • Foosball

  • Skee-ball


Approved Supplies

  • Cardboard and cardboard boxes

  • Paper and plastic cups

  • Paper towel roll and toilet paper roll

  • Straws

  • Rope, chords, and string

  • Toothpicks

  • Tape

  • Rubber bands

  • Paper clips

  • Art supplies

  • Marbles and plastic or rubber balls


Special Notes:

  • We will not be giving prizes for our games.

  • You will need to design rules for your game. Rules need to written or typed and presented with your game.

  • Plan out how you will decorate your game.


Links to videos for inspirations:

Top 5 Amazing Cardboard Games

Top 5 Best Games Made Out of Cardboard

5 Interesting Games from Cardboard

STEAM Challenge BONUS: Make a Working Safe STEAM challenge

Design a working safe using the instructions on this website:

How to make a safe with cardboard