TATAAA
When an experiment goes wrong
Check the setup first. Then change one thing and try again. Your result does not have to match anyone else’s.
Find your experiment and try the suggested fix. If it is still tricky, simplify the task or take a break.
Toy car ramp: how far will it roll?
Does the car turn? Check the flatness of the cardboard, the wheels and the floor. Do not keep raising the ramp just to make it faster.
Open missionPaper bridge: which shape holds more?
Did both bridges fall? Check the fold direction and how the paper rests on the supports. Reduce the gap, then compare both shapes again.
Open missionPaper tower: find a steady base
Does the tower lean? Check its bottom edge and the surface. Adding more tape while changing the width makes comparison harder.
Open missionFoil boat: cargo aboard
Does the boat tip? Move the cargo towards the centre. A hole in the foil calls for fresh foil and a fresh test, not a judgement about your child.
Open missionA treasure map without reading
Do two landmarks look alike? Add a colour or a distinctive detail. The map does not have to be accurate or beautifully drawn.
Open missionThe three-clue trail
Cannot find a clue? Swap it for something within sight. Do not guess an animal's direction or the age of a track without evidence.
Open missionPeriscope: see over an obstacle
A dark view? Check the reflective faces point towards each other and tape is not covering the windows.
Open missionCardboard city: deliver the parcel
Road too narrow? Move a building instead of forcing the car through. Reposition the tape.
Open missionShadow theatre: who is hiding?
Blurry shadow? Move the shape towards the wall and use one torch instead of several lights.
Open missionPaper pinwheel without a pin
Not turning? The adult loosens the fastener and checks that the paper is not rubbing the handle.
Open missionParachute: a soft landing for the crew
Flipping over? Equalise the strings, lighten the passenger and open the canopy before releasing. Compare opening and direction of fall rather than timing it with a stopwatch.
Open missionRain gauge: how much rain fell?
Unexpectedly much water? Check for roof runoff or watering. A tapered container does not directly show millimetres of rainfall.
Open missionPaper airplane: land on the runway
Falls immediately? Level the wings and launch more gently. If it turns, check both sides are symmetrical.
Open missionString telephone: a secret message
No sound? Keep the string off furniture and check that the holes are not torn. Try in a quiet room.
Open missionArch bridge: support a roadway
Arch spreading out? It needs support at both ends. Reduce the gap and use stiffer cardboard.
Open missionShadow clock: where did it move?
Shadow gone? Wait for sunlight. If the board or pencil moved, begin a fresh record.
Open mission