cardboard craft ideas

preparing for the cardboard challenge[beth cohen]: the cardboard challenge allows children to think in ways that get them tosuch a high level of problem solving. while it seems so simple on the outside (you�reworking with recycled materials and cardboard) it�s truly getting children to think ata very high level of problem solving, and really push themselves as individuals.[student #1]: this is a model of shondy tucker�s aeroplane. we made it completely out of cardboard,paint, and some tape. [cohen]: it�s been wonderful because therehave been relationships forming through cardboard and through this teamwork, and the use oftheir imaginations that you might not have in other situations.[ben nuebel]: the cardboard challenge is an

awesome application for students, especiallywith an emphasis on building and making things. as a high school tech teacher, seeing studentsnot only in high school but all the way down to elementary doing some form of building/making/engineering,is a tremendous use of stem abilities. [midge edison]: the kids were just so engagedand so excited about having their part and seeing what they built together.[student #2]: well, the first classes did this stuff and then we added the head andpart of the body. [edison]: i think it�s a natural, organiclink to stem. [student #1]: we had to figure out a way tomake the landing wires connect to the wing, and it was really hard to get it balancedand stable.

[cohen]: it allows us to go through, whatwe we use here in stem at the elementary level is the engineering design process; and theengineering design process follows a series of steps that start with �ask.�what is the problem? what are we looking to do?from �ask� we go to �imagine.� and then we go from �imagine� to �plan�and then �create,� and one of the big pieces in stem and in the cardboard challenge,and we experienced this today, is improve. [edison]: i think one of the most excitingpieces is that when you have so many children working together, you really bring in an arrayof creativity. i see children who, maybe with pencil tasksdon�t always have it so easy. they can shine.

everybody in the school got their hands onthe cardboard challenge. so, first grade we have the dragon; the secondgrade, we did the polar bear; third grade did the anaconda; fourth grade did the bighorned sheep, and then fifth grade did the butterfly for the life cycle.[student #3]: each of us made one box. i thought it was really cool how all the boxes cametogether. [cohen]: i think the first years� challengewas an opportunity for them to get to know what this experience was about, and this yearis going to allow them to really elaborate on what they have done in the past.[student #4]: we all just worked together and did our best to make it.[student #1]: we actually skipped recess a

couple of times to come in and work on it.[student #5]: we�ll have to see what the competition�s all about.[student #6]: we don�t know what the other teams� projects look like.[cohen]: the kids always tell me in a secret way; it�s always in a whisper during classbecause they don�t want to let the word

out, or anyone using their idea.[student #6]: i�d say we�ve got a pretty good chance.[student #7]: we�re making a disco ball. it�s for our disco party down there.[cohen]: it�s going to be a party, carnival-like atmosphere.