Walking Robot

STREAM Activity: Climbing Robot

Climb Robot Climb!

Activity best for children ages four and up

Robots are amazing machines that can help us explore, build, and solve problems! During National Robotics Week, we celebrate the creativity and innovation behind robots. In this craft, kids can create a climbing paper robot and watch it move as you pull the strings. As they build and test their robot, children get a chance to think like engineers, exploring how simple mechanisms can make things move. It’s a fun way to combine art, engineering, and problem-solving while discovering how robots work.

VOCABULARY

  • Robot: A machine that can move or do tasks, often designed and built by engineers.

  • Mechanism: A group of parts that work together to make something move.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  • What do you notice happening when you pull the strings to help your robot move?

  • What changes could you make to help your robot climb higher or move differently?

MATERIALS

  • Markers

  • Ribbon or string

  • 2 Beads

  • Scissors

  • Construction Paper

  • Straw

  • Tape

  • Googly Eyes

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Draw your robot on construction paper. Be sure to include the body, arms, legs, and head.

Draw robot

STEP 2

Decorate your robot using markers, crayons, or googly eyes. Get creative with your design!

Decorate robot

STEP 3

Cut out your robot using scissors.

Cut out robot

STEP 4

Cut a straw in half and tape the two pieces to the back of your robot.

Cut straw and tape to back

STEP 5

Cut two pieces of ribbon or string to your desired length. The longer the string, the higher your robot can climb. Thread one string through each straw opening.

Thread string through straws

STEP 6

Tie a bead to the end of each string to make handles.

Tie bead to end of string

STEP 7

Hang your robot on a doorknob or similar surface, then pull the beads to watch your robot climb!

Walking Robot