Description
Participants will assemble a paper robot (this year’s TD Summer Reading Club mascot, Cosmo) and find its centre of gravity.
Number of Participants
For any number of participants
Space Considerations
An indoor space where participants can be seated to do an activity
Competencies
- Following directions
- Spatial relationships
Materials
- 8.5” x 11” cardstock
- Scissors
- Glue
- A pair of small binder clips per participant (19 mm work well)
- A pair of dimes (10-cent coins) per participant, for an added challenge
- Tape or sticky tack, if using dimes
- Pencils for balancing the robots
- Various materials for colouring
Preparation
- Print the Balancing Cosmo template. Only one page is required per participant.
Implementation
1. Participants will cut out the two Cosmo robots on the template and apply glue to the backside of everything except the robot “hands.” The two robots will be glued together with the hands left apart.
2. Participants will either a) clip a small binder clip to each hand or b) place a dime in each hand, attaching it using sticky tack or strips of tape around the exterior of the paper. Sticky tack allows kids to easily move the coins while trying to make the robot balance.
Note: the binder clips allow the robot to balance more easily than the dimes. The dimes provide an added challenge.
3. Now the robot is complete and can be used for balancing. It’s tricky to find your balance in space! Participants can balance Cosmo on a pencil, their index finger or even the tip of their nose. It may take a few tries and they can have fun practicing.
Accessibility Considerations
- Offer easy-grip scissors
- Assist participants with cutting, gluing and taping as needed
- Offer pre-cut templates
- Offer kids a variety of instruments to colour their image and encourage them to choose what they feel most comfortable with
Book Suggestions
Little Moar and the Moon by Roselynn Akulukjuk and Jazmine Gubbe
Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie by Jami Gigot
Totally Silly Science: Strange Space by Robin Twiddy
Download Links
Images
