Engineering Fundamentals · Lesson 3 of 6
Name: ________________ Date: __________
Cardboard Grabber or Mini Crane
The problem
Something needs to be moved, but you cannot touch it with your hands - it is too far, too high, or in an awkward spot. Design a tool that can reach out and move or lift a small object for you, worked entirely from your end.
Materials checklist
- Cardboard
- Brass fasteners
- String
- Straws
- Tape
- Popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- Cups or small objects to lift
Design sketch
Draw your plan and label the parts.
Prediction
What do you think will happen when you test it? What might fail first?
Build notes
Write what you actually built and any changes you made along the way.
Test results
| Test | What to record | Try 1 | Try 2 | Try 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reach test | Reach in centimeters | |||
| Grip test | Does it hold, slip, or drop the object? | |||
| Place test | How many out of five tries land in the target |
What failed first?
What did you change?
Reflection
1. Was your design strong, or easy to move?
2. Where did it bend?
3. What part acted like a lever?
4. What made the movement better or worse?
5. How could you improve the grip or lifting power?
Extension challenge
Add a second joint so your grabber can bend around a corner.