Solving an Issue
Identify a small household problem, then design, build, and test a simple prototype solution using recycled materials and basic tools.
About this activity
Identify a small household problem, then design, build, and test a simple prototype solution using recycled materials and basic tools.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
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.
- 2
Step 2
Write one short sentence that describes the problem and what success will look like.
- 3
Step 3
Draw three quick idea sketches on scrap paper showing different ways you might solve the problem.
- 4
Step 4
Pick your favorite sketch and circle it to be your chosen design.
- 5
Step 5
Gather the recycled pieces and tools you need and put them on a clear workspace.
- 6
Step 6
Draw a simple step by step plan of how you will build your prototype on one sheet of paper.
- 7
Step 7
Measure and mark the shapes you need on cardboard or the bottle with your ruler and pencil.
- 8
Step 8
Carefully cut or shape the marked pieces using scissors with an adult nearby to help.
- 9
Step 9
Assemble the pieces using tape or glue to build your prototype.
- 10
Step 10
Add finishing touches or labels using colouring materials rubber bands or string.
- 11
Step 11
Test your prototype on the real problem and watch closely how it behaves.
- 12
Step 12
Write one short sentence that says what worked and one short sentence that says one change to try next.
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Step 13
Make one change to your prototype based on your notes.
- 14
Step 14
Test the improved prototype again to see if the change helped.
- 15
Step 15
Take a photo or write a short description and share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I guide my child to identify a household problem and build a simple prototype solution?
Start by asking your child to notice a small household problem (wobbly shelf, tangled cords). Brainstorm simple fixes and sketch ideas together. Choose one idea and gather recycled materials (cardboard, bottles, tape) and basic tools. Build a quick prototype, test it in the real setting, observe what works, then make improvements. Encourage trial-and-error, take photos, and finish by discussing what changed and next steps. Supervise tool use.
What materials and basic tools do we need to make a prototype from recycled items?
You'll need recycled materials like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, paper tubes, yogurt cups, and scrap fabric. Basic tools: child-safe scissors, tape, glue sticks, masking tape, ruler, pencil, string, rubber bands, clothespins, popsicle sticks. Optional: adult tools such as a hot glue gun, utility knife, or small hand drill — use these only with close adult supervision. Label and store small parts to avoid choking hazards.
What ages is this recycled-material prototype activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages about 5–14 with adaptations. Ages 5–7: simple problems and lots of adult help with cutting, measuring and safe tool use. Ages 8–10: children can plan and build with supervision for sharp tools and adhesives. Ages 11–14+: encourage independent design, more complex prototypes and safe use of utility tools with adult check-ins. Adjust challenge, time, and supervision based on your child's motor skills and attention span.
What are the benefits of having my child design and test simple home-fix prototypes?
This activity builds creative problem-solving, planning and basic engineering skills while teaching recycling and resourcefulness. Kids practice measuring, testing, and iterating prototypes, which boosts critical thinking and persistence. It strengthens fine motor skills and confidence when they see ideas become real. Working together also teaches communication, teamwork, and safe tool habits. Encourage reflection on what worked and what to change to reinforce learning.
Watch & Learn
Need 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.