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Cardboard Tractor

Build a cardboard tractor that can roll down a ramp

⏱ 1 Hour

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Cardboard Tractor

Standards & Connections:

NGSS.3-5-ETS1, NGSS.MS-ETS1

Materials:

Cardboard, glue, tape, colored markers/pens, rubber bands, straws, scissors

Background:

Just like many of us, farmers have looked to technology to make their jobs easier. In the 18th century, farmers used horses and oxen to pull wooden plows. In 1837, John Deere started producing steel plows and in 1868 steam tractors were invented that no longer needed horses or oxen. Then, John Froelich invented the first successful gas-powered tractor in 1892. Today tractors are used when planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and moving items around the farm. Over 120 years later and tractors are still helping farmers and ranchers perform many agricultural tasks.

Process:

Identify

Share the background information with the students, then share the puzzle to be solved. Determine constraints (e.g., time alotted, space, materials provided, etc.) and divide students into small groups.

Imagine

Ask a series of questions to help students brainstorm solutions to the puzzle. Encourage students to list all ideas – don’t hold back! Before moving on, make sure each group selects a solution that fits within the contraints.

  • Ask: How can you can solve this puzzle? Which of your ideas can you build a prototype for given the constraints?
  • Design

    Students diagram the prototype, identify the materials needed to build the prototype, and write out the steps to take. Students describe the expected outcomes.

  • Ask: What steps will you take to create your solution? What do you expect your solution to look like and be able to do?
  • Create

    Students follow their design plan and build their prototypes. Monitor their progress and remind them about how much time they have.

    Test & Improve

    Students evaluate their creation and compare it with the expected outcomes. Students seek areas of improvement and make changes where needed.

    Share

    Students share their solution to the puzzle and communicate lessons learned.

  • Ask: What was your biggest takeaway? What would you do differently?
  • And then

    Take a tour to a local farm supply store to see a real-life tractor.

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