Cardboard wind tunnel craft for 11-year-olds
This science build is for 11-year-olds testing drag and airflow with a household fan placed by an adult. It does not modify the fan or use exposed electrical parts.
What to buy
Large cardboard box
1
Clear plastic sheet protector
2
Cardboard strips
8
Tissue paper streamers
20 strips
Paper clips
20
White cardstock sheets
8 sheets
Masking tape
1 roll
Clear packing tape
1 roll
Ruler
1
Pencil
1
Digital timer
1
Observation worksheet printouts
4
Who this list is for
This cardboard wind tunnel craft is for 11-year-olds testing drag and airflow with a household fan placed by an adult. The project does not alter the fan or use exposed electrical parts.
How to use this list
Use the large cardboard box as the tunnel and create supports or test lanes with cardboard strips. Tape clear plastic sheet protectors into viewing areas, then make lightweight test shapes from white cardstock and attach them with paper clips where needed. Place tissue paper streamers in the airflow path, use the digital timer for repeat trials, and record results on the observation worksheet printouts.
Common mistakes
Do not put hands, paper strips, or cardboard inside the fan guard. Keep the fan placement with an adult and leave the fan unmodified. Avoid changing several variables at once; test one cardstock shape or streamer setup at a time so the observation cards and worksheets stay useful.
What is on this list
Gather one large cardboard box, two clear plastic sheet protectors, eight cardboard strips, 20 tissue paper streamers, and 20 paper clips. The list also includes eight white cardstock sheets, masking tape, clear packing tape, a ruler, pencil, digital timer, and four observation worksheet printouts. Cross off supplies you already have.
When you are done
Turn off the fan before removing test pieces or taking apart the tunnel. Save the worksheets with the best-performing cardstock shapes and store the box flat if the build is being kept.
FAQ
Who is "Cardboard wind tunnel craft for 11-year-olds" for?
This cardboard wind tunnel craft is for 11-year-olds testing drag and airflow with a household fan placed by an adult. The project does not alter the fan or use exposed electrical parts.
How should I use "Cardboard wind tunnel craft for 11-year-olds"?
Use the large cardboard box as the tunnel and create supports or test lanes with cardboard strips. Tape clear plastic sheet protectors into viewing areas, then make lightweight test shapes from white cardstock and attach them with paper clips where needed. Place tissue paper streamers in the airflow path, use the digital timer for repeat trials, and record…
What should I skip or avoid with "Cardboard wind tunnel craft for 11-year-olds"?
Do not put hands, paper strips, or cardboard inside the fan guard. Keep the fan placement with an adult and leave the fan unmodified. Avoid changing several variables at once; test one cardstock shape or streamer setup at a time so the observation cards and worksheets stay useful.
What is on the "Cardboard wind tunnel craft for 11-year-olds" list?
Gather one large cardboard box, two clear plastic sheet protectors, eight cardboard strips, 20 tissue paper streamers, and 20 paper clips. The list also includes eight white cardstock sheets, masking tape, clear packing tape, a ruler, pencil, digital timer, and four observation worksheet printouts. Cross off supplies you already have.
What should I do when I am done?
Turn off the fan before removing test pieces or taking apart the tunnel. Save the worksheets with the best-performing cardstock shapes and store the box flat if the build is being kept.
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.