Accordion-Arm Robot

crayola supplies

Color Wonder™ Paper
No-Run School Glue
Color Wonder™ Markers

household supplies

recycled boxes
paper towels

Why

Change a recycled box into a robot with folded paper arms. Toddlers love this hands-on project, which is a cinch with Crayola® Color Wonder™.

Steps

1. Look at pictures of robots. Find out what they do. Here's how to make your own pretend robot.
2. Cover recycled boxes with Crayola Color Wonder Paper. Tear the paper to fit. Attach the paper with Crayola School Glue. Dry.
3. Use Color Wonder Markers and your imagination to decorate the robot. Add buttons, knobs, facial features, and gadgets.
4. Tear another piece of Color Wonder Paper into four long strips. Color them with Color Wonder Markers. Dry.
5. Fold the paper back and forth to make accordion arms and legs. Glue the arms and legs to the box. Dry.

When & Where

"Children designed their own versions of computerized robots. Some used several boxes!"
- Nitza C., family child care provider.

"Kids use their robots for pretend play. We made a space ship with boxes, too. It was a smashing success!"
- Bud G., toddler assistant.

Interesting Info

Various components of robots were developed as far back as the 1800s. However, it was in 1954 that the first programmable robot was designed by George Devol. He coined the term Universal Automation. He later shortened this to Unimation, which became the name of the first robot company.

Safety Guidelines

Color Wonder™—Wash hands well with soap and water after use.