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EngineeringStorytellingArt

Storybook Treehouse Crew

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Grades K-230-40 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids build a platform sturdy enough to hold a favorite storybook character, reinforcing it until it stops wobbling. Combines a beloved story with a genuine little engineering challenge.

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Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Prep: 13 minActivity: 35 min1 session~$2/groupOne table or clear floor areaBeginner-friendly

Setup

Gather only common or recycled items needed to build a small platform from craft sticks and cardboard strong enough to hold the character figure. Place the materials beside a simple recording sheet or blank paper, and prepare the Storybook Treehouse Crew challenge in one working area; no digital device is needed.

Activity

  1. Pick a favorite storybook character and discuss what kind of treehouse platform they would need.
  2. Build a small platform from craft sticks and cardboard strong enough to hold the character figure.
  3. Test the platform by setting the figure on it and gently shaking the tree, discovering it wobbles, then add extra sticks as diagonal supports.
  4. Act out a short scene with the character safely settled in the finished treehouse.

Done when: The learner completes Storybook Treehouse Crew after carrying out this core test: Test the platform by setting the figure on it and gently shaking the tree, discovering it wobbles, then add extra sticks as diagonal supports. The learner then uses that result to complete the final task: Act out a short scene with the character safely settled in the finished treehouse.

Materials

craft sticks, cardboard, small figures from favorite stories, tape, glue

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Pick a favorite storybook character and discuss what kind of treehouse platform they would need.
  2. Build a small platform from craft sticks and cardboard strong enough to hold the character figure.
  3. Test the platform by setting the figure on it and gently shaking the tree, discovering it wobbles, then add extra sticks as diagonal supports.
  4. Act out a short scene with the character safely settled in the finished treehouse.

Standards it satisfies

  • NGSS · K-2-ETS1-3

    Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.