Space rover obstacle course for 10-year-olds
This engineering play project is for 10-year-olds making a movable rover and a lunar-style obstacle course. It uses lightweight craft parts for indoor play.
What to buy
Large flat cardboard box
1
Small rectangular cardboard box
1
Plastic bottle caps
4
Wooden skewers with blunt ends
2
Paper drinking straws
2
Aluminum foil sheets
3 sheets
Gray cardstock sheets
4 sheets
Black cardstock sheets
2 sheets
Small paper cups
4
Round cotton pads
10
Blank index cards
12
Masking tape
1 roll
Washable school glue
1 bottle
Fine-tip black marker
1
Who this list is for
This engineering play list is for 10-year-olds building a movable space rover and a lunar-style obstacle course for indoor play. The parts are lightweight craft materials, not a real robotic vehicle.
How to use this list
Use the large flat cardboard box as the course base and the small rectangular cardboard box as the rover body. Add four plastic bottle caps as wheels, then use blunt-ended wooden skewers and paper drinking straws for simple wheel supports. Create lunar obstacles with aluminum foil, gray cardstock, black cardstock, small paper cups, and round cotton pads. Write obstacle signs or mission cards on blank index cards with the fine-tip black marker. Test each route before fixing parts in place with masking tape and washable school glue.
Common mistakes
Do not use sharp skewers; the list specifies wooden skewers with blunt ends. Check that the bottle-cap wheels are even before decorating the rover. Avoid making obstacles so tall or heavy that the cardboard base bends. Keep the course for indoor play, and do not treat it as a real rover-building project.
What is on this list
You need one large flat cardboard box, one small rectangular cardboard box, four plastic bottle caps, two blunt-ended wooden skewers, and two paper drinking straws. The list also contains aluminum foil, gray and black cardstock, four small paper cups, 10 round cotton pads, 12 blank index cards, masking tape, school glue, and a black marker. Cross off what is already available.
When you are done
Roll the rover through the obstacle course and move any piece that blocks it completely. Keep mission cards with the base for the next play session. Store the course flat so the cups and foil features are not crushed.
FAQ
Who is "Space rover obstacle course for 10-year-olds" for?
This engineering play list is for 10-year-olds building a movable space rover and a lunar-style obstacle course for indoor play. The parts are lightweight craft materials, not a real robotic vehicle.
How should I use "Space rover obstacle course for 10-year-olds"?
Use the large flat cardboard box as the course base and the small rectangular cardboard box as the rover body. Add four plastic bottle caps as wheels, then use blunt-ended wooden skewers and paper drinking straws for simple wheel supports. Create lunar obstacles with aluminum foil, gray cardstock, black cardstock, small paper cups, and round cotton pads. Wr…
What should I skip or avoid with "Space rover obstacle course for 10-year-olds"?
Do not use sharp skewers; the list specifies wooden skewers with blunt ends. Check that the bottle-cap wheels are even before decorating the rover. Avoid making obstacles so tall or heavy that the cardboard base bends. Keep the course for indoor play, and do not treat it as a real rover-building project.
What is on the "Space rover obstacle course for 10-year-olds" list?
You need one large flat cardboard box, one small rectangular cardboard box, four plastic bottle caps, two blunt-ended wooden skewers, and two paper drinking straws. The list also contains aluminum foil, gray and black cardstock, four small paper cups, 10 round cotton pads, 12 blank index cards, masking tape, school glue, and a black marker. Cross off what i…
What should I do when I am done?
Roll the rover through the obstacle course and move any piece that blocks it completely. Keep mission cards with the base for the next play session. Store the course flat so the cups and foil features are not crushed.
Related lists
For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.