Games
Rescue Device
Children design rescue devices using cardboard, popsicle sticks and straws to lift small objects upward from a height. This activity builds understanding of stability, structure, and simple machines through creative problem-solving.
Materials
- Straws
- Cello Tape
- Scissors
- Cardboard
- Thread
- Popsicle Stick
Click on the image to learn more
Checklist
< ol>
how to play
Divide the children into groups of 2–3. Begin with a story, such as tiny villagers trapped on top of a tower or toys stuck at a height who need help, to spark imagination and purpose. Give each group cardboard, popsicle sticks, straws, and string, and explain that their challenge is to design a rescue device that can safely lift small objects upward from the ground. Encourage them to think about stability, strength, and how simple machines like pulleys or levers could help. If children face difficulties, give hints such as: How can you make the base stronger? Which parts should move? How can the device lift without tipping over? Allow time for each group to test, adjust, and finally use their rescue device to “save” the object, making the activity both fun and meaningful while exploring stability, structure, and creative problem-solving.
Challanges
- Ask them to make their own model rescue device.
- Change or add different weights to be rescued. Ask the kids if they think anything should be changed in their rescue device to handle the new weights.
- They can try to figure out how their device can lift the load from the bottom to the top, which might be a fun challenge.
Questions to be asked
- How could we make sure the straw rescue device is safe for the one we are helping? What can be done?
- If the load is more, what changes will you bring to your rescue device?
- If the depth is more, what changes will you bring?