Jul 29, 2025

Step 1: Scavenger Hunt
Your Mission: Find as many of these items as you can. Check them off as you go!
- Popsicle sticks
- Rubber bands
- Plastic spoon
- Marbles or small balls
- Pom-poms or cotton balls
- Foil balls
- Paper cup or lids
- Ruler
- Hardcover books or chairs
- Index cards
- Cardboard strips
- Aluminum Foil
- Toilet paper rolls
- Tape or glue
- Coins
- Straws
- Paper clips
- Clothespins
- String or yarn
- Pipe cleaners

Pick a challenge—or invent your own!
Build a Bridge
Goal: Span a gap between two books or chairs and test its strength.
Materials: • Hardcover books or chairs • Index cards, cardboard strips, or popsicle sticks • Tape or glue (optional) • Small toy or coins
Steps:
- Set the Span: Place books/chairs 6–12 inches apart.
- Create the Deck: Use cardboard or index cards. Fold edges up for strength.
- Lay the Bridge: Overlap each support by at least 1 inch.
- Test: Place a toy or coins in the center.
- Tweak & Try Again: Reinforce or try new materials.
Launch a Catapult
Goal: Build a simple catapult to launch a marshmallow or foil ball.
Materials: • 7 popsicle sticks • 4 rubber bands • 1 plastic spoon • Marshmallows, pom-poms, or foil balls
Steps:
- Build the Base: Stack 7 sticks, rubber band both ends.
- Make the Lever: Stack 2 sticks, band one end.
- Assemble: Wedge the base between the lever sticks. Attach the spoon to the top stick.
- Launch: Load, press, and release! Try aiming at a paper cup or measuring distance.

Goal: Design a maze that guides a marble from start to finish.
Materials: • Shoebox or cereal box • Drinking straws • Scissors • Glue or tape • Marble
Steps:
- Prep the Box: Cut off the top to make a tray.
- Design the Maze: Cut straws to size. Lay out a path corner to corner.
- Glue the Walls: Secure straws in place.
- Play: Tilt the box to guide the marble. Add tunnels, dead ends, or decorations.

Fill out your invention card below & present your invention:
Name of Your Invention: ___________________________
What materials did you use?
What was the hardest part?
If you could improve it, what would you change?

- Most Creative
- Strongest Structure
- Most Likely to Be Patented
STEP 5: Prizes
- Books like “If Not You, Then Who?” series – Stories that inspire young inventors.
- STEAM Activity Books – Packed with puzzles, challenges, and experiments.
- Custom Trophy or Medal – Engraved with “Top Inventor” or “Most Creative.”
- Inventor Lab Coat or Goggles – To dress the part.
- Gift Cards - For crafts or a toy store.