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EngineeringStorytellingMath

Storybook Rescue Zipline

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Grades K-230-45 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids engineer a working zipline to rescue a storybook character stranded across a gap. It's an exciting blend of physics and storytelling that ends in a dramatic live rescue performance.

Budget levels

Materials list coming soon to members

Materials links go to Amazon. Prices are estimates and may change. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases.

Quick Start

Digital downloads only. $0 to buy. Printing is noted separately.

Materials list coming soon.

Student time: one class period, one day.

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one class period on a single day.

Scale back: Fit it into a shorter period, use fewer effects, or run a demo instead of a build.

Scale up: Add one extra effect, or spread the share-out across another day.

Ambiance video

Ambiance video coming soon from Creative Dad Studio

Full Experience

Up to $25 per class (class of about 30, 6 groups).

Materials list coming soon.

Student time: one day.

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one school day.

Scale back: Fit the build into one period with fewer effects.

Scale up: Spread the work across days, or add more effects.

Total Transformation

The bigger kit, priced per class (class of about 30, 6 groups).

Materials list coming soon.

Student time: one day (one session, one-day event).

Teacher prep / build-ahead: separate from student time.

Scale it

The default plan is one session, a one-day event.

Scale back: Shorten the event, or run a demo for a smaller audience.

Scale up: Spread the build and the event across days, or invite a bigger audience.

Choose your version

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

Student time: 30 min, one class periodTeacher prep / build-ahead: 12 min$0 to buy. Printing noted separately.One table or clear floor areaBeginner-friendly

Setup

Gather only common or recycled items needed to build a zipline between two anchor points and attach the figurine with a paper-clip hook. Place the materials beside a simple recording sheet or blank paper, and prepare the Storybook Rescue Zipline challenge in one working area; no digital device is needed.

Activity

  1. Set the scene: a storybook character is stranded, and the team must predict what angle and height will get them safely across.
  2. Build a zipline between two anchor points and attach the figurine with a paper-clip hook.
  3. Test the rescue and discover the figure gets stuck or falls partway, then adjust the angle or reduce friction.
  4. Perform the final rescue for an audience, narrating the character's dramatic escape.

Ambiance video

Ambiance video coming soon from Creative Dad Studio

Done when: The learner completes Storybook Rescue Zipline after carrying out this core test: Test the rescue and discover the figure gets stuck or falls partway, then adjust the angle or reduce friction. The learner then uses that result to complete the final task: Perform the final rescue for an audience, narrating the character's dramatic escape.

Materials

String or yarn, tape, paper clips, a small figurine, two chairs or boxes as anchor points

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

Materials links go to Amazon. Prices are estimates and may change.

As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases.

Steps

  1. Set the scene: a storybook character is stranded, and the team must predict what angle and height will get them safely across.
  2. Build a zipline between two anchor points and attach the figurine with a paper-clip hook.
  3. Test the rescue and discover the figure gets stuck or falls partway, then adjust the angle or reduce friction.
  4. Perform the final rescue for an audience, narrating the character's dramatic escape.

Standards mapped

  • NGSS · K-2-ETS1-2

    Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.