Fulfills part of Step 2 of GSUSA Brownie Think Like an Engineer journey requirements.
Items Needed:
- Box of random supplies (include at least):
- 1 set of tongs
- 2 paper towel rolls
- Rubber bands, tape, or string
- Scissors
- Pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, or cardboard scraps
- Any other craft or household items you’d like to add
- Item to grab (e.g., a small toy or object)
Instructions:
- Set the Goal: Tell scouts they need to grab an object that is just out of reach using only the items provided in the box. Set the item so it’s at least one foot away from where they could reach it from the designated reaching spot.
- Brainstorm: Let scouts explore the box and think of ways to solve the problem. (Note that the most simple solution is to use the tongs. Many scouts will make their own grabber from the supplies, like using the two paper towel rolls or the popsicle sticks as a pair of chopsticks.)
- Test Their Solution: Have scouts try their creation or tool to grab the item.
- Improve: If their first attempt doesn’t work, encourage them to adjust their design and try again.
- Reflect: After everyone succeeds, discuss the different tools or methods used and what worked best.
Step by Step Instructions
Remember not to give your scouts instructions when doing the Think Like an Engineer project. Only the challenge and various supplies. These Step-by-Step instructions are more for the leaders to understand what others have done. Leaders can use the knowledge to provide hints when scouts might get stuck during the creative process.
Think Like an Engineer Video by Lakes and Pines Council
The Badge Archive 