Tell us about the technology used in your comic story
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Design a comic panel showing a technology, build a simple model or labeled diagram, and write a short explanation of how it works.

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Step-by-step guide to tell us about the technology used in your comic story

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What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard, coloring materials (markers crayons or colored pencils), paper, pencil, ruler, scissors, sticky notes or small scrap paper, tape or glue

Step 1

Choose one technology you want to show in your comic like a robot a wind turbine a smartphone or a simple machine.

Step 2

Write the three main parts of that technology and one short phrase about what each part does.

Step 3

Decide whether you will build a simple 3D model or make a labeled 2D diagram to explain the technology.

Step 4

Pick one moment to show in your comic panel that clearly shows the technology working.

Step 5

Sketch a small thumbnail layout of the comic panel on scrap paper to plan where the picture speech bubble and labels will go.

Step 6

Draw the final comic panel on a clean sheet of paper or thin cardboard using your pencil and ruler.

Step 7

Add one speech bubble or caption in the comic that explains what is happening in the scene.

Step 8

Build your simple model from cardboard and tape or draw a labeled diagram showing the three main parts you listed.

Step 9

Make labels on sticky notes or small paper and attach them to the model or diagram next to each part.

Step 10

Write a short explanation of 2 to 4 sentences that tells how the technology works using simple words.

Step 11

Color and decorate your comic panel and model or diagram to make the parts clear and fun to look at.

Step 12

Share your finished comic panel model or diagram and your short explanation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don’t have thin cardboard, sticky notes, or tape for the model and labels?

If you don't have thin cardboard use a cereal box, shipping box, or poster board, replace sticky notes with small cut pieces of paper, and use glue or a stapler in place of tape when building the simple model from cardboard and tape or making a labeled diagram.

My comic panel drawing looks messy and the model keeps falling over—how can I fix those problems?

Rework your thumbnail layout before drawing, reinforce the model's base by folding extra cardboard under the build, secure labels with a dab of glue or double-sided tape, and draw light guide lines with your pencil and ruler so the final comic panel and speech bubble stay neat.

How can I change the activity for younger kids or challenge older kids?

For younger children, simplify by making a labeled 2D diagram on a clean sheet of paper with pre-cut labels and one-sentence captions, while older kids can build the 3D model from thin cardboard and tape, add moving parts or simple LEDs, and write the full 2–4 sentence explanation and more precise labels.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the comic and model after finishing the basic steps?

To enhance the project, color-code and decorate the three main parts, add a second panel showing the technology before-and-after, incorporate a small moving part or LED to show the technology working, and then share the finished comic panel, model, and 2–4 sentence explanation on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to tell us about the technology used in your comic story

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

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Facts about technology and engineering for kids

✏️ Comic artists use motion lines, panel size, and layout to show speed, pause, and focus—directing the reader’s eye like a movie director.

🗯️ Comics use panels, gutters, and speech balloons to tell time and motion on a single page—like a storyboard for readers.

🖨️ The first commercial 3D printing process, stereolithography, was invented in 1984 by Chuck Hull.

🤖 There are over 3 million industrial robots working in factories around the world, assembling cars, electronics, and more.

🛠️ There are six classic simple machines (lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw) that combine to make complex tools.

How do I guide my child to create a comic panel that explains a technology, build a model, and write a short explanation?

Start by choosing one technology (e.g., solar panel, simple robot, or water filter). Have your child research how it works, then sketch a comic panel that shows the device in action with speech bubbles or captions. Next build a simple model or labeled diagram using cardboard, clay, or drawing software. Finally, write a short explanation (2–4 sentences) describing main parts and how they interact. Encourage testing, revising, and using clear labels.

What materials do I need to design a technology comic panel and make a simple model or labeled diagram?

Youll need basic art supplies: paper or cardstock, pencils, erasers, markers or colored pencils, ruler, scissors, and glue. For models or diagrams, add cardboard, foam board, clay, pipe cleaners, tape, and labels or sticky notes. A tablet or phone helps for quick research and photos; optional craft motors, LEDs, and batteries for simple tech demos. Supervision and child-safe scissors are recommended when using sharp tools or small parts.

What ages is this technology comic activity suitable for?

This activity suits different ages: 68-year-olds can draw simple comic panels and build basic models with adult help; focus on bold pictures and one-sentence explanations. Ages 912 can research, label diagrams, and assemble more detailed models independently. Teens (13+) can add technical accuracy, basic circuits or coding, and longer written explanations. Always match complexity to the child's interests and provide supervision for cutting, small parts, or electrical components.

What are the benefits of having my child make a comic, model, and explanation about a technology?

Making a comic about technology builds STEM understanding, problem-solving, and design thinking. Drawing a panel helps sequence events and explain cause-and-effect; building a model reinforces hands-on learning and spatial skills. Writing a short explanation improves vocabulary, communication, and the ability to teach others. This activity also boosts creativity, confidence, and collaboration when done in groups or with family, making tech concepts accessible and fun.
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Tell us about the technology used in your comic story