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Umbrella Testing Company

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Grades K-230-45 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids build mini umbrellas from different materials and put them through a simulated rainstorm. It's a splashy way to compare materials and improve a design through testing.

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: 40 min, one class periodTeacher prep / build-ahead: 15 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 mini umbrella frame using craft sticks and one of the test materials. Place the materials beside a simple recording sheet or blank paper, and prepare the Umbrella Testing Company challenge in one working area; no digital device is needed.

Activity

  1. Predict which material, paper or plastic, will keep a toy figure driest during a rainstorm.
  2. Build a mini umbrella frame using craft sticks and one of the test materials.
  3. Spray simulated rain onto the umbrella and discover it leaks or collapses, then reinforce the frame or swap materials.
  4. Present dryness results comparing all the tested umbrellas to the company's customers.

Ambiance video

Ambiance video coming soon from Creative Dad Studio

Done when: The learner completes Umbrella Testing Company after carrying out this core test: Spray simulated rain onto the umbrella and discover it leaks or collapses, then reinforce the frame or swap materials. The learner then uses that result to complete the final task: Present dryness results comparing all the tested umbrellas to the company's customers.

Materials

Paper or plastic sheeting, craft sticks or straws, tape, a spray bottle, cups to catch water

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. Predict which material, paper or plastic, will keep a toy figure driest during a rainstorm.
  2. Build a mini umbrella frame using craft sticks and one of the test materials.
  3. Spray simulated rain onto the umbrella and discover it leaks or collapses, then reinforce the frame or swap materials.
  4. Present dryness results comparing all the tested umbrellas to the company's customers.

Standards mapped

  • NGSS · 2-PS1-2

    Analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for an intended purpose.