Windproof Paper Scarecrow STEM Challenge for Kids

This windproof paper scarecrow STEM challenge for kids is an engineering activity for school age kids, ages 6 to 10. Kids build a paper scarecrow, test it against wind, watch it fall, and redesign it until it stands. Plan 30 to 45 minutes. The wind comes from a straw kids blow through or a fan an adult runs on low.

What supplies do you need?

* Construction paper * Scissors * A glue stick * Masking tape * A paper towel tube * A paper plate * Playdough (one fist sized lump) * A marker * A ruler * A drinking straw * A large tray with raised edges, like a baking sheet * A fan or a hair dryer with a cool setting (adult operates only) * Paper for a design log

How do you build the first scarecrow?

Cut the paper towel tube to about 6 inches tall with the scissors. This is the scarecrow body. Cut two paper strips for arms and glue them to the tube with the glue stick. Draw a face on the top of the tube with the marker. Cut a paper triangle for a hat and tape it on. Stand the scarecrow on the paper plate and set the plate on the tray. This first version is supposed to be wobbly. Build it fast, about 10 minutes, because the point is testing, not decorating.

How do you run the wind test?

The adult sets the fan on its lowest setting about 2 feet from the tray, aimed at the scarecrow. The adult runs the fan only. Kids never handle the fan or the hair dryer. Alternatively, each kid blows through the drinking straw at the scarecrow from 6 inches away; this is the kid powered wind tunnel and it works just as well for testing. Run the wind for a slow count of 10. Watch what fails: does the scarecrow tip over, slide, or does the hat fly off? Write the failure on the paper design log.

How do you improve and retest?

Engineers use a loop: build, test, improve, retest. After each failure, pick ONE fix, apply it, and run the wind again. These fixes are tested and they work:

* Lower the center of gravity. Press the lump of playdough flat inside the bottom of the tube. A bottom heavy scarecrow rights itself instead of tipping. This is the single biggest upgrade. * Widen the base. Cut the tube shorter, down to 4 inches, so the scarecrow sits lower. Or cut slits around the bottom of the tube, fold the tabs outward like a flower, and tape the tabs to the paper plate. * Tape the feet down. Run strips of masking tape from the tube bottom onto the paper plate. Taped feet beat a free standing tube every time. * Shrink the sail. A big paper hat catches wind like a sail. Trim the hat smaller with the scissors or tape it flatter, and the scarecrow stands longer.

Run three rounds minimum: build, test, improve, retest, improve, retest. Most kids get a standing scarecrow by round three.

How do you score the final challenge?

After the redesign rounds, run the final test: straw wind for a slow count of 10, then the fan on low for a slow count of 10. A scarecrow that stays upright through both earns the title Windproof. Measure the final height with the ruler and record it on the design log: "Windproof at 4 inches." If siblings or classmates build too, line the scarecrows up on the tray and test them side by side.

If your family loves scarecrow building, make the cardboard tube scarecrow family next for the decorative version, or try the paper bag scarecrow craft for a bigger puppet style build.

What goes wrong, and how do you fix it?

* The scarecrow tips but the hat survives. The body is too tall and narrow. Cut 2 inches off the tube with the scissors and retape the arms. * The whole paper plate slides across the tray. The fan is too close or too strong. Move the fan back to 3 feet and keep it on the lowest setting. The tray edges stop the plate from sliding off the table. * The tape will not stick to the tube. Masking tape sticks best to dry, flat paper. Press each tape strip down hard for a slow count of 5, or switch to a fresh strip. * The playdough makes the tube soggy. Use the playdough as a dry plug, not a wet wad. If the tube softens, wrap the outside bottom with one more ring of masking tape.

Want new fall activities in your inbox? Join our email list.

Love hands-on fall science? Join our email list and we will send new seasonal STEM activities as we publish them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this challenge best for?

This fits school age kids, roughly 6 to 10, who can use scissors, follow the build test improve loop, and write a short design log. Younger kids can decorate a prebuilt tube scarecrow while an adult handles the cutting, taping, and fan. Older kids can run controlled tests, changing only one variable per round and timing how long each design stands.

How messy does it get?

Barely messy. Paper scraps from the scissors go straight in the recycling, and the playdough stays inside the tube. The tray catches any bits. Keep the marker capped when not drawing the face, since marker on the table is the most likely mess in this whole project.

How long does the challenge take?

Plan 30 to 45 minutes: about 10 to build, 5 per wind test, and 5 per redesign, with three rounds of testing. Kids who get hooked on beating their own record can run extra rounds for another 15 minutes. Setup is 5 minutes of laying supplies on the tray.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes with two firm rules. An adult, and only an adult, operates the fan or hair dryer, always on the lowest or cool setting, aimed at the scarecrow and never at a face. Scissors need adult help for younger kids; school age kids cut with supervision. Playdough is not food, so keep the lump out of mouths and wash hands after building.

Be safe and have fun!