Solving an Issue
Identify a small household problem, then design, build, and test a simple prototype solution using recycled materials and basic tools.
Step-by-step guide to design, build, and test a recycled-material prototype to solve a small household problem
Step 1
Walk around your room or house and choose one small problem to fix like loose cords messy toys or a wobbly shelf bracket.
Step 2
Write one short sentence that describes the problem and what success will look like.
Step 3
Draw three quick idea sketches on scrap paper showing different ways you might solve the problem.
Step 4
Pick your favorite sketch and circle it to be your chosen design.
Step 5
Gather the recycled pieces and tools you need and put them on a clear workspace.
Step 6
Draw a simple step by step plan of how you will build your prototype on one sheet of paper.
Step 7
Measure and mark the shapes you need on cardboard or the bottle with your ruler and pencil.
Step 8
Carefully cut or shape the marked pieces using scissors with an adult nearby to help.
Step 9
Assemble the pieces using tape or glue to build your prototype.
Step 10
Add finishing touches or labels using colouring materials rubber bands or string.
Step 11
Test your prototype on the real problem and watch closely how it behaves.
Step 12
Write one short sentence that says what worked and one short sentence that says one change to try next.
Step 13
Make one change to your prototype based on your notes.
Step 14
Test the improved prototype again to see if the change helped.
Step 15
Take a photo or write a short description and share your finished creation 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 we use if we don't have cardboard, an empty bottle, or tape?
Use stiff cereal boxes or a clean milk carton instead of cardboard or a bottle, and hold pieces together with rubber bands, paper clips, or strong masking tape while you assemble and test.
My prototype keeps falling apart—what should I check or redo?
Check your 'measure and mark' lines, make cleaner cuts during the 'carefully cut or shape' step, and reinforce weak joins with extra tape or glue (with an adult's help) before you test the prototype again.
How can I adapt this activity for a 4-year-old or for a 12-year-old?
For a 4-year-old, pick a very small problem and have an adult do the cutting while the child chooses a circled sketch and assembles with tape and colouring materials, whereas a 12-year-old can do precise 'measure and mark' planning, cut with supervision, iterate changes, and write notes plus take a photo to share on DIY.org.
How can we make the prototype stronger or more personal after the first test?
Add support strips from extra recycled cardboard, secure joints with rubber bands or string, label parts and steps with colouring materials, and decorate before retesting and photographing your improved fix for DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to design and build a recycled-material prototype to solve a small household problem
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Facts about engineering and prototyping for kids
♻️ Upcycling household items like jars, bottles, and boxes reduces waste and can save money while sparking creativity.
💡 Design thinking encourages building a quick prototype first—test fast, learn fast, and improve.
🧠 Hands-on building boosts problem-solving skills, planning, and confidence in kids.
🛠️ Many famous inventions started as scrappy prototypes made from cardboard, rubber bands, and tape.
🌍 Turning trash into tools helps the planet by keeping useful materials out of landfills.
How do I guide my child to identify a household problem and build a simple prototype solution?
What materials and basic tools do we need to make a prototype from recycled items?
What ages is this recycled-material prototype activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of having my child design and test simple home-fix prototypes?
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