To make a crane for a school project, here is a clear step-by-step guide based on a simple cardboard crane model that uses a pulley system to lift objects:
Materials Needed
- Cardboard (e.g., cereal box cardboard)
- Toothpicks
- String or wool thread
- Paper clips
- Scissors or box cutter
- Glue (hot glue gun and/or super glue)
- Pencil or old pen body (for axles/pulleys)
- Ruler and pencil for measurements
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard about 20x15 cm. This will be the base of your crane
2. Make the Crane Arm (Boom)
- Cut two identical cardboard strips about 20x4 cm each.
- Cut one end of each strip at an angle (around 50 degrees) to form the arm's tip.
- Join the two strips parallel to each other with toothpicks spaced about 3 cm apart between them.
- Glue the toothpicks to secure the arm structure
3. Attach the Arm to the Base
- Secure the angled ends of the arm to the base cardboard using glue.
- Add extra cardboard pieces for support at the joint to strengthen the arm-base connection
4. Create the Pulley System
- Make two small pulley wheels by cutting four cardboard circles (about 3 cm diameter).
- Use small plastic tubes (from an old pen body) as axles inside the cardboard circles.
- Glue the cardboard circles and tubes together to form pulleys
- Insert one pulley at the arm's tip and another at the base connection point to guide the string
5. Assemble the String Holder and Axle
- Cut two identical cardboard pieces (about 8x4 cm) to hold the string spool, attaching them behind the arm on the base with a 3 cm gap.
- Cut a circular cardboard piece (about 5 cm diameter) to serve as the spool.
- Attach a toothpick through the center of the spool to act as an axle.
- Insert the axle through the string holders so the spool can rotate freely
6. Add the String and Hook
- Tie one end of the string to the spool axle.
- Thread the string over the pulleys on the arm and base.
- Attach a paper clip or small hook at the free end of the string to serve as the crane hook
7. Make the Load Carrier
- Cut a small square piece of cardboard (about 10x10 cm).
- Use two pieces of string (about 25 cm each) crossed underneath the square and secured at the edges.
- Tie the ends of the strings together and attach them to the crane hook to hold the load
8. Test Your Crane
- Place a small object on the load carrier.
- Turn the spool axle handle to wind the string and lift the load.
- Unwind to lower the load
This simple cardboard crane project demonstrates basic crane mechanics including the use of pulleys and a winch system to lift objects. It is suitable for school science or STEM projects and can be enhanced with additional features like counterweights or a rotating base if desired
. Videos and detailed images can be found online to help visualize each step if needed
