Programming Ideas

• Build & Spin Challenge: Have patrons build a structure with at least 10 gears that can spin together with one turn. You can set time limits or themes like “spinny animals” or “gears at the playground.”
• Story + Build: Read a book like Rosie Revere, Engineer or What Do You Do With an Idea?, then invite participants to build a gear-powered invention inspired by the story.
• Simple Machines Station: Set up a STEM station with other kits (like pulleys, ramps, or LEGO WeDo). Let kids explore how different simple machines work—and how gears play a role.
• Gear Maze: Challenge teams to create a spinning path of gears that turns an object (like a flag or mini character) at the end. Longest chain wins!

Build Plans & Challenges

• Tallest Spinning Tower: How tall can you build a gear-based structure that still spins?
• Crank-a-Flag: Use the crank to raise a flag on a pole using gear rotation.
• Creature Creations: Build a creature with spinning limbs or a wagging tail.
• Theme Build: Assign themes like amusement park rides, robots, or Rube Goldberg machines.

Books to Pair With the Kit

• The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
• Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
• If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen
• Andrew Learns about Engineers by Tiffany Obeng
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

Tips for Use

• For ages 5+, but younger kids will love free play with adult supervision.
• Use trays or mats to contain pieces and make cleanup easier.
• Pair with a whiteboard or chart paper for sketching ideas.
• Great for pop-up maker programs, STEAM nights, or quiet play stations.

Water Suspension - Water Magic

Bubblology activity

Amazing Scientist Laboratory Activity Short

Newton's Beads

 The Science of Inertia

Wonder of Wind Bags

Quick Pour Soda Bottle - Vortex Racer

Cartesian Diver

Tornado Tube

Root Beer Genie

Balancing Nail Puzzle

Balancing Stick Challenge

Cornerstones of Science Activities:

• GOING WITH THE FLOW!
• KEEP YOUR COOL!

Newton's Laws of Motion Links:

• Britannica
• Glenn Research Center - NASA

Programming Ideas

• Design & Fly (Planes set): Let children build their own airplane, then "fly" it across the room (walking or tossing gently). Pair with a book like Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton.
• Blockaroo Races (Roadster set): Build roadsters and race them down a ramp or hallway. Let kids modify their vehicles and experiment with speed and design.
• Free Build + Story: Set up a free-build station and invite kids to build a creature, structure, or machine. Then ask them to tell a story about what they made. Encourage caregivers to join in!
• Sensory STEM Bin: Use a water-safe bin or sensory table for floatable play. Perfect for summer reading programs or toddler discovery times.

• Storytime Tie-Ins: Pair the Plane and Roadster builds with books about transportation or travel.

• Water Play Station: Use in bins or sensory tables.

• Spin & Count Game: Have kids spin a block and count how many rotations or build with a number of pieces shown on dice.

• Build & Tell: After kids create a plane or car, have them share where it’s going or who’s riding in it.

Build Prompts & Challenges

• Can you build a tower taller than your arm?
• Create a tower as tall as you can without tipping.
• Build a robot that spins?
• Build a flying car.
• Make an animal using 6 pieces or less.

Book Pairings

Here are book ideas to match the transportation theme:

• Revver the Speedway Squirrel by Sherri Duskey Rinker

• Go Girls Go! by Frances Gilbert, illustrated by Allison Black

• The Wheels on the… Uh-Oh! by Sue Tarsky, illustrated by Alex Willmore

• Old Truck by Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey

• Go! Go! Go! Stop! by Charise Mericle Harper

• Freight Train by Donald Crews

• Planes Fly! by George Ella Lyon

• If I Built a Car by Chris Van Dusen

• Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry

• Made by Maxine by Ruth Spiro

• How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk

• The Airport Book by Lisa Brown

Care & Cleaning Instructions

• Blocks are top-rack dishwasher safe.

• Can be cleaned in multiple ways:

  • Mild soap and warm water

  • Vinegar and water solution

  • Antibacterial wipes

• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

• Air-dry completely after play in water to prevent mold or mildew during storage.

Set included material: Blackaroo Care and Idea Guide

 Benefits of the Makedo Kit in Library Programming

• Encourages Creativity & Innovation – Sparks imagination as participants design and build with cardboard, promoting problem-solving and hands-on STEM learning.
• Fosters Collaboration & Teamwork – Perfect for group projects, where participants share ideas, work together, and refine their designs.
• Develops Critical Thinking – Encourages planning, adapting, and troubleshooting as users overcome challenges in their builds.
• Integrates STEM & STEAM – Introduces engineering and design concepts while blending creativity with technical skills.
• Promotes Sustainability – Encourages eco-friendly learning by repurposing cardboard and teaching the value of recycling.
• Versatile for Library Programs – Adaptable for themed activities like building robots, libraries, or dream cities.
• Supports Motor Skill Development – Enhances hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills through hands-on construction.
• Inclusive & Accessible – Suitable for all ages and abilities, with easy adaptation for diverse learning needs.
• Builds Persistence & Resilience – Encourages trial and error, fostering a growth mindset and confidence.
• Great for Library Events – Ideal for STEAM nights, summer reading programs, and maker workshops.

Programming Ideas

makedo HUB is a growing library of resources for cardboard construction.

Find 3D printables, STEAM challenges, maker tips, cardboard and tech, social emotional learning, and so much more at makedo EDUCATION! 

How to use Makedo tools

Makedo Mini-Tool

Makedo Scru-Driver

Makedo Safe-Saw

Makedo Fold-Roller

DIY Tutorials

How to Make a Cardboard Puppet

How to Make a Cardboard Box House

How to Make a Cardboard Race Car

How to Make a Cardboard Plane