For Grades: K - 6

Step 1 - Introduction

5min

Lesson Overview

Build a model finger or whole hand using cardboard, straws, and string! 

Step 2 - Learn More

10min

3D Printed Hand for Max

PBS Design Squad (4min) This is a sweet video! Little Max gets a 3D printed hand and it shows the process of printing, assembling, and improving the hand.

Step 3 - Your Project

20-30min

Gather your materials!

  • Thin cardboard (like a cereal box)
  • Straw
  • Paper clips
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Glue

Step 1

Trace hand on cardboard and cut out.

Step 2

Fold joints into in each finger.

Step 3

Tape or glue small sections of straw onto each finger section between the folds.

Step 4

Run a piece of string or yarn through the straw sections and tie at the top

Step 5

To help your finger pop back up, tape a rubber band to the back side of the finger.

Step 4 - Share

10min

Share with someone you love!

Share with someone you love! Today’s recommendation is to call a grandparent (or older family member) that doesn’t live at your house, and tell them about your project!

  • Possible things to talk about:
    • What did you learn?
    • What did you build?
    • What problems did you run into?
    • How did you solve them?

Step 5 - Go Deeper

1,000,000min
For Grades K-6

Learn more and try new things!

  • Can you build another hand out of a different material?
  • What if you used other tube material like hollow pasta?
  • What if you made a giant hand! 
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