Free STEM Lesson
Lesson 12: Robotic Hand
For Grades: K - 6
Step 1 - Introduction
5min
Lesson Overview
Build a model finger or whole hand using cardboard, straws, and string!
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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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Nerdy Comments!
Did you enjoy this lesson? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook Page! We would love a picture or video of your project builds and remember to give other nerds out there some words of encouragement!