OPTIONAL CHALLENGE 02 · CREATIVE ENGINEERING
Can you turn measured tube lengths into an ordered set of notes?
Optional · Try Another Angle
Your new skill: Extend a main-path idea without making the course longer.
Match the names to your parts before you build. New parts appear when you first need them. You can point, say the name or show a grown-up.
A balloon can hold air. Escaping air can push a car; a rubbed dry balloon can attract tiny paper pieces.
Look for: Find the uninflated balloon and its neck.
Before using it: An adult inflates and ties it where needed. Keep broken pieces away from young children and stop if anyone has a latex allergy.
Your turn: Point to the neck where air will leave; save the test for the mission.
These are our building materials. Shape and arrangement can change how a structure holds a load.
Look for: Sort sticks by size and choose the paper stated in the mission.
Before using it: Keep the same material for a fair comparison. Ask for adult help with cutting and remove splinters.
Your turn: Predict whether a flat sheet and a folded sheet will hold the same load.
Glue and tape join parts. A stretched or twisted rubber band can store energy for a small moving model.
Look for: Find the joining material and band named in the mission.
Before using it: Let glue set; use small gentle twists and never aim a stretched band at anyone. Change only the joint or band test the mission names.
Your turn: Point to a joint that must stay fixed and a part that must stay free to move.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Before we build, match these names to the parts in front of you. Balloon. A balloon can hold air. Escaping air can push a car; a rubbed dry balloon can attract tiny paper pieces. Find the uninflated balloon and its neck. An adult inflates and ties it where needed. Keep broken pieces away from young children and stop if anyone has a latex allergy. Craft sticks and paper. These are our building materials. Shape and arrangement can change how a structure holds a load. Sort sticks by size and choose the paper stated in the mission. Keep the same material for a fair comparison. Ask for adult help with cutting and remove splinters. Glue tape and rubber bands. Glue and tape join parts. A stretched or twisted rubber band can store energy for a small moving model. Find the joining material and band named in the mission. Let glue set; use small gentle twists and never aim a stretched band at anyone. Change only the joint or band test the mission names. Pause and point to the part that will do the main job in this mission. If it is missing or looks different, ask a grown-up before building.
WHAT YOU'LL USE
Kit list: match the named parts to your box and its component cards. Home list: gather these before starting; some may also be supplied in your kit. Reuse components between missions. Stop and ask a grown-up if an essential part or label is missing.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
Follow the Creative Engineering safety rules. Adult help: Cutting help.
YOUR REWARD
PREDICT BEFORE YOU BEGIN
What do you think will happen? Say it, point to it or draw it. Then test your idea.
BEFORE YOU BUILD
• Read every step before using glue. • Lay out the structure without glue first. • Mark centre lines, axle positions or wire routes. • Check the adult-help label at the start of the mission. • Keep moving and electrical parts removable where possible.
PAUSE AND CHECK
Can the moving part turn, slide or balance in your dry layout? Fix the geometry now. Glue only after the movement makes sense.
YOUR CHALLENGE
NEW POWER-UP
You will cut, order and compare air columns while keeping the blowing method fair.
You measured equal distances and balanced structures. Now careful length measurement will control sound.
BUILD PATH
STEP 1 OF 9
Choose the longest straw. Mark the next straws slightly shorter in a regular pattern.
A video demonstration will appear here when it is ready. You can follow the written step now.
Choose the longest straw. Mark the next straws slightly shorter in a regular pattern.
WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING?
Blowing across a tube makes the air column vibrate. Longer air columns vibrate more slowly and usually make lower notes. Shorter columns vibrate faster and make higher notes.
Flutes, organ pipes and many wind instruments control pitch by changing air-column length.
WHEN IT DOESN'T WORK YET
WHAT YOU NOTICE POSSIBLE REASON TRY THIS No clear sound Air stream misses the edge Blow gently across the opening at a slight angle. All notes sound similar Lengths are too close Increase the length difference. Tube is silent Opening is crushed or blocked Open the tube and check the seal method.
CLEAN, RESET AND STORE
Switch off and disconnect all power. Let moving parts stop. Put the parts back in their kit compartments.