If you could teleport, where would you go?
Design and build a cardboard teleportation portal model, plan three travel destinations, and create a travel journal describing each imagined visit.
Step-by-step guide to design and build a cardboard teleportation portal model and create a travel journal
How Does Teleportation Work?
Step 1
Gather all the materials and clear a flat workspace.
Step 2
Trace a big portal shape onto the cardboard using the pencil and ruler.
Step 3
Cut out the traced portal opening from the cardboard with scissors while an adult watches.
Step 4
Cut two long cardboard strips to use as a frame for the portal.
Step 5
Tape the strips to the back of the portal opening to make a thick frame so it stands up.
Step 6
Decorate the portal with coloring materials and stickers to make it look magical.
Step 7
Write the name of three teleport destinations, one name on each sheet of plain paper.
Step 8
On the first destination sheet draw a big picture of the place you would visit.
Step 9
On the first destination sheet write three sentences describing what you do and see there.
Step 10
On the second destination sheet draw a big picture of the place you would visit.
Step 11
On the second destination sheet write three sentences describing what you do and see there.
Step 12
On the third destination sheet draw a big picture of the place you would visit.
Step 13
On the third destination sheet write three sentences describing what you do and see there.
Step 14
Stack the three destination pages together and bind them into a travel journal by stapling or tying them with string.
Step 15
Share a photo and description of your cardboard teleportation portal and travel journal on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have cardboard, tape, or string?
Use a thick cereal box or poster board instead of the cardboard portal, duct or masking tape instead of clear tape for attaching the frame strips, and ribbon or yarn in place of string when binding the three destination pages.
What if the portal doesn't stand up or the cut edges are messy?
If the portal won't stand, make the two cardboard strips wider and tape them firmly to the back of the portal opening as the instructions say, and if cutting is messy, have an adult carefully trim the edges or cover them with tape.
How do I change the activity for different ages?
For preschoolers, have an adult trace and cut the portal and strips and let kids decorate and draw large pictures, while older children can paint the portal, write longer paragraphs for each destination, and bind the journal themselves with staples or a hole punch and string.
How can we make the portal or travel journal more special?
Personalize and extend the project by adding battery fairy lights taped to the back of the portal frame, gluing on 3D decorations or stickers, inserting photos or postcards into the travel journal pages, and uploading the finished portal and journal photos to DIY.org with a short description.
Watch videos on how to design and build a cardboard teleportation portal model and create a travel journal
What If Teleportation Was Possible?
4 Videos
What If Teleportation Was Possible?
What If We Invented Teleportation?
Teleportation Explained By A Physicist
Oxford Scientists Achieve Teleportation for the First Time
Facts about model making and imaginative storytelling
🌀 Teleportation is a classic science-fiction idea — and 'quantum teleportation' is a real physics technique that moves quantum information (not people!).
📦 Corrugated fiberboard (cardboard) was first used for packaging in the 19th century and is strong, lightweight and highly recyclable—great for model-making.
✍️ Many explorers kept travel journals that became famous books; Charles Darwin’s notes from the Beagle voyage turned into influential scientific writing.
✨ Imagining different places and planning pretend trips helps grow creativity and storytelling skills—designing three destinations is a powerful brainstorm tool.
🗺️ Building a portal model blends art, engineering and map-making—professionals use small-scale models to test ideas for exhibits and theme-park attractions.
