Sticker Play & Storytelling

• Use your reusable dinosaur sticker play scenes as a story lab:
• Prompt: “Create a day in the life of your dinosaur – where do they live? What do they eat?”
• Display finished scenes as a community gallery.

Giant Floor Puzzle of a T. rex

• Turn puzzle time into an anatomy lesson:
  • As pieces go in, talk about major features: skull, limbs, tail.
  • Compare the puzzle to real skeleton facts from museum sites like AMNH or Field Museum (below).

Dino Skill Builders

• Your Learning Resources Skill Builders Dinosaur Activity set could be:
  • STEM/Math station: measuring dinosaur steps, sequencing teeth sizes, pattern sorting by type.
  • Literacy station: dinosaur vocabulary cards, read-and-match labels.

• Library of Congress Dinosaur & Paleontology Resource Guide
• Field Museum’s Dinosaur Toolkit
• American Museum of Natural History
• Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History- Paleontology Resources
• National Geographic Kids Dinosaur Species

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!

• Motorized Motion Challenge: Have patrons build a structure that uses the motor to create continuous motion. Encourage them to explore how different gear arrangements affect speed or direction. You can set themes such as “fastest machine,” “wacky walkers,” or “spinning city.”

• Gear-Powered Vehicles: Invite patrons to design a motorized vehicle (car, creature, or invention) that can roll forward using gears. Test builds on a flat surface or a simple ramp. Encourage iteration to improve speed or stability.

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.
• Speed Test Build: Make a gear-powered vehicle or spinning mechanism and test how fast it can move or rotate. Adjust gear size or placement to increase speed.
• Double-Direction Challenge: Build a design where gears spin in at least two different directions at the same time. Use different gear sizes or positions to accomplish the effect.

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
• Simple Machines by D.J. Ward
• Wheels by Sally Sutton
• Blocks by Irene Dickson

• What Do Wheels Do All Day? by April Jones Prince

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.

Early Childhood / Storytime Programs

1. Seed Scoopers & Sprouts (Youth Tools)

• Use small trowels and scoops to help kids plant fast-germinating seeds (beans, radishes).
• Pair with a garden-themed storytime (e.g., Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt).
• Kids take home labeled cups to watch sprouting at home.

2. Sensory Garden Play Station

• Use youth tools with soil bins, clean rocks, silk leaves, and plastic flowers.
• Introduce textures while talking about how plants grow.

Tween / Teen Programs

1. Herb Growing for Beginners (Precision Tools + Full-Size Tools)

• Plant herbs.
• Include a STEM angle: Light needs, soil types, watering schedules.
• Option for a cooking tie-in later with the Kitchen in a Box kits.

2. DIY Terrarium Workshop (Precision Tools)

• Use tweezers, mini rakes, and spray bottles to build small terrariums.
• Teens layer gravel, soil, and plants or moss in jars.
• Add optional décor like tiny charms, stones, or figurines.

Adult Programs

1. Container Gardening Workshop (Full-Size Tools)

• Demonstrate using the trowels, shovels, and hand rakes.
• Show how to build containers for small patios, apartments, or senior living.

2. Houseplant Rescue & Care Clinic (Precision Tools)

• Participants bring struggling plants and learn trimming, repotting, and pest-spotting skills.
• Use pruning shears, misters, tweezers, etc. to "treat the patient".

3. “Grow Your Own Tea” Class (Precision + Youth Tools)

• Plant mint, chamomile, or lemon balm using youth or precision tools.
• Learn about drying herbs, steeping, and making simple homemade teas.
• Great for mindfulness or wellness-themed programming.

Family & Multigenerational Programs

1. Plant-and-Paint Pots (Youth Tools + Precision Tools)

• Adults help with soil and planting using larger tools; kids decorate pots.
• Use the precision tools for gently handling seedlings.

2. StoryWalk® Garden Trail

• Use full-size tools to create simple garden beds or sensory spots outdoors.
• Families follow a path with book pages posted along the way.

3. Plant Propagation Station (Precision Tools)

• Use snips/pruners and spray bottles to teach stem cutting, water propagation, and leaf propagation.
• Participants take home a starter jar or cup.
• Covers STEM concepts: cloning, root development, and light exposure.

4. Seed Bomb or Wildflower Pod Making (Youth Tools)

• Use trowels or handheld scoops to mix soil, clay, and seeds.
• Attendees shape seed bombs and take them home to plant.
• Tie in environmental education: support local pollinators and native plants.

Outreach or Passive Programs

1. Seed Library Launch Event

• Use the precision tools to portion seeds into envelopes.
• Offer a quick demo on planting using youth-friendly tools at a pop-up table.

2. Plant “First Aid” Cart

• Set up a passive station with spray bottles, pruning tips, and soil care info.
• Patrons can take a handout and learn how to keep plants healthy.

• Clemson Cooperative Extension Service
  • Home & Garden Information Center
  • Complete List of HGIC Fact Sheets & Links
  • SC Smart Gardener Handbook
• Herb Society of America - find recipes, webinars, and more.
  • Herb Gardening Basics
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Plants Database
• SC Native Plant Society
  • Native Plant Directory
• International Carnivorous Plant Society
• North American Butterfly Association (NABA)
  • Butterfly Gardening Basics: What to Serve
• International Hummingbird Society
  • Hummingbird flowers

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