Lesson Plan: Bringing Stories to Life Through Cardboard Creations

Grade Level: 3rd Grade Time Required: Two 45-minute sessions Objective: Students will demonstrate comprehension of a story they have read by designing and constructing a three-dimensional cardboard scene using safe makerspace tools, including child-safe cardboard cutters and basic woodshop tools.
Materials Needed:
Cardboard sheets of various sizes
Child-safe cardboard cutters (e.g., Chomp Cardboard Cutter)
Hot glue guns with low-temperature glue sticks
Paper fasteners, tape, and craft glue
Markers, colored paper, and fabric scraps for decorating
Popsicle sticks, wooden dowels, and foam sheets for additional structure
Safety goggles and gloves
Optional: LED lights, pipe cleaners, and cotton balls for texture and effects
Kid tool sets (Link Here)

Technology & Tools Introduced:
Chomp Child-Safe Cardboard Cutter (for safe precision cutting)
Hand Drills (manual or small electric, for making holes in soft materials)
Low-Heat Glue Guns (for secure assembly)
Hand Sanding Blocks (for smoothing rough edges of wood pieces)
Basic Hand Saws with Safety Guides (optional, depending on classroom setup)

Lesson Breakdown:
Day 1: Planning & Sketching the Scene (45 minutes)
1. Introduction (10 min)
Briefly review a story students have read in class.
Ask: What was your favorite scene? What made it special?
Explain that students will bring their favorite scene to life using cardboard and makerspace tools.

2. Introducing Makerspace Tools (10 min)
Show how to use the child-safe cardboard cutter for cutting shapes.
Demonstrate the low-heat glue gun for assembly.
Introduce additional tools like hand drills and popsicle sticks for structure.
Emphasize safety guidelines for each tool.

3. Sketching & Planning (15 min)
Students sketch their chosen scene on paper, labeling parts they will construct.
They identify materials they will use (cardboard, popsicle sticks, fabric, etc.).
Partner or small group discussions to refine ideas.

4. Preparation & Cutting (10 min)
Students start tracing their designs onto cardboard and practice safe cutting.
Encourage careful planning before making cuts.

Day 2: Building & Presenting (45 minutes)
1. Construction Phase (25 min)
Students begin assembling their scenes, using:
Glue guns for securing pieces
Paper fasteners for moving parts
Hand drills & dowels for added structure
Decorative materials for storytelling elements

2. Finishing Touches (10 min)
Students add details like characters, props, and scenery.
Optional: Add small LED lights for effects.

3. Showcase & Reflection (10 min)
Students present their scenes, explaining:
The story scene they chose
What materials and tools they used
Any challenges they overcame
Group discussion on how different materials and tools enhanced their designs.

Assessment:
Participation & Engagement: Students actively contribute to planning and construction.
Design Creativity: Use of materials and thoughtful details in their scene
Comprehension Demonstration: Ability to explain how their scene connects to the story.
Tool Proficiency: Safe and appropriate use of makerspace tools.

Extensions:
Stop-Motion Animation: Use a tablet to create a stop-motion movie using their 3D scenes.
Requires Software (cameras/online tools)
Written Reflection: Have students write a paragraph about their experience with new tools.
Collaborative Diorama: Merge individual projects into a large class-wide story scene.