STEM Activity: Duck Tape Wallet

This hands-on STEM activity is a great way for children to practice their design thinking and creative problem-solving skills!
 

Materials Needed

• Duck Tape® brand duct tape
• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Wax paper
• Hook-and-loop fasteners
   

At-Home Instructions

1. Cut a piece of wax paper that measures eight inches by 10 inches.
    
2. Cut four strips of Duck Tape, each 10 inches long.
    
3. Place the first piece of Duck Tape across one of the long edges of the wax paper. Place the next piece of Duck Tape below the first. Continue until you have placed all four strips of tape alongside each other.
    
4. Turn the wax paper over. Cut four more 10-inch strips of Duck Tape and cover the back side with them.
    
5.  Fold the wallet in half lengthwise and tape the sides together to seal the ends of the wallet. Trim off any tape that sticks out below the bottom of the wallet.
    
6. Add pockets inside your wallet! 

     A. Cut wax paper the size of the pockets you want.

     B. Tape across the pocket. Be sure to leave the top open.

     C. Fold a piece of tape across the bottom of the wallet to seal the bottom of the pocket.
    

7. Fold the wallet in half widthwise.
    
8. Keep your wallet closed using the hook-and-loop fasteners, or better yet, invent a new method to ensure your  wallet stays shut.

Educators: Use this activity in the classroom with these modifications

Divide your class into two teams and assign one with the task of creating the smallest Duck Tape wallet they can make, and the other with producing the largest Duck Tape wallet they can create. Begin by having each team brainstorm ideas and sketch out prototype designs. After this, instruct each team to build their wallet inspired by their ideas and sketches. Inform your students that their wallets must open and close, and that this might limit the size of their final creations. For added fun, extend the length of this activity by asking your students to improve on their wallet designs over the course of the school week.
 

Looking for more STEM activities?

Discover more fun and educational science activities by reading our blog or by visiting our Camp Invention Facebook page.