Make a wind powered walker

What can we use if we don't have wooden skewers, plastic straws, or modeling clay listed in the instructions?

If you lack wooden skewers (step: push a wooden skewer through each straw) use straightened bamboo chopsticks or sturdy wire, replace the straw axle tubes (step: Tape the two straw pieces to the underside) with rolled cardboard or cut sections of a thicker drinking straw, and swap modeling clay (step: Secure each wheel) for a tiny roll of tape or a dab of hot glue.

My wind walker won't roll smoothly—what should I check and fix from the steps?

If the walker sticks, check that the two straw pieces taped to the underside (step: Tape the two straw pieces) are parallel and centered over the axle marks, make sure each skewer is centered and trimmed so about 1 cm sticks out (step: Trim the skewer ends), and add small paper washers or loosen the tape holding the straws so the wheels can turn freely after you slide them on (step: Slide a wheel onto each skewer end).

How can I adapt this activity for different ages using the materials and steps provided?

For preschoolers, have an adult pre-cut the cardboard and straws and pre-thread the skewers (steps: Cut a rectangle... Tape... Push a wooden skewer), while older kids can redesign the sail size and shape (step: Cut a rectangle of paper about 8 cm by 6 cm to make the sail), experiment with bottle-cap wheels, and test different mast positions (step: Tape the straw mast upright).

What are simple ways to improve performance or personalize the wind powered walker after finishing the instructions?

To boost performance or personalize the finished walker, try a larger or stiffer paper sail and change the mast tilt (steps: Cut a rectangle of paper... Tape the straw mast; Adjust the sail angle), swap in smooth bottle-cap wheels or add tiny washers at the skewer tips (step: Secure each wheel), and decorate the cardboard body before sharing a photo on DIY.org.