Mechanical grabber craft for 11-year-olds
This project is for 11-year-olds making a simple hand-operated grabber to explore levers and linkages. It is for picking up lightweight classroom objects only.
What to buy
Thick corrugated cardboard
2 sheets
Jumbo wooden craft sticks
20
Wooden dowels
4
Round-head paper fasteners
20
Rubber bands
12
Cotton string
8 feet
Foam adhesive strips
1 pack
Masking tape
1 roll
Tacky glue
1 bottle
Ruler
1
Pencil
1
Scissors
1 pair
Lightweight pom-poms for testing
10
Who this list is for
This mechanical grabber craft is for 11-year-olds exploring levers and linkages with a hand-operated cardboard tool. It is intended only for lightweight classroom objects, such as the included pom-poms.
How to use this list
Draw the grabber arms on thick corrugated cardboard using the ruler and pencil. Build the linkage with jumbo wooden craft sticks, wooden dowels, and round-head paper fasteners. Add cotton string and rubber bands to create the hand-operated motion, then use foam adhesive strips for gripping surfaces. Hold parts in place with masking tape during fitting and secure permanent areas with tacky glue.
Common mistakes
Do not test the grabber on heavy, sharp, hot, or breakable objects. Avoid tightening paper fasteners so much that the linkage cannot pivot. Test one motion at a time with lightweight pom-poms, and let tacky glue dry before putting stress on the arms.
What is on this list
The list covers two thick corrugated cardboard sheets, 20 jumbo wooden craft sticks, four wooden dowels, 20 round-head paper fasteners, and 12 rubber bands. It also includes eight feet of cotton string, foam adhesive strips, masking tape, tacky glue, ruler, pencil, scissors, and 10 lightweight pom-poms. Cross off materials you already have.
When you are done
Open and close the grabber several times to check for rubbing or loose fasteners. Store it flat and keep it labeled for lightweight-object testing only.
FAQ
Who is "Mechanical grabber craft for 11-year-olds" for?
This mechanical grabber craft is for 11-year-olds exploring levers and linkages with a hand-operated cardboard tool. It is intended only for lightweight classroom objects, such as the included pom-poms.
How should I use "Mechanical grabber craft for 11-year-olds"?
Draw the grabber arms on thick corrugated cardboard using the ruler and pencil. Build the linkage with jumbo wooden craft sticks, wooden dowels, and round-head paper fasteners. Add cotton string and rubber bands to create the hand-operated motion, then use foam adhesive strips for gripping surfaces. Hold parts in place with masking tape during fitting and s…
What should I skip or avoid with "Mechanical grabber craft for 11-year-olds"?
Do not test the grabber on heavy, sharp, hot, or breakable objects. Avoid tightening paper fasteners so much that the linkage cannot pivot. Test one motion at a time with lightweight pom-poms, and let tacky glue dry before putting stress on the arms.
What is on the "Mechanical grabber craft for 11-year-olds" list?
The list covers two thick corrugated cardboard sheets, 20 jumbo wooden craft sticks, four wooden dowels, 20 round-head paper fasteners, and 12 rubber bands. It also includes eight feet of cotton string, foam adhesive strips, masking tape, tacky glue, ruler, pencil, scissors, and 10 lightweight pom-poms. Cross off materials you already have.
What should I do when I am done?
Open and close the grabber several times to check for rubbing or loose fasteners. Store it flat and keep it labeled for lightweight-object testing only.
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.