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Cardboard Chair

Can you build a chair from cardboard?

This challenge focuses on the principles of design and structure. Can you design and build a chair from cardboard, that’s strong enough to support your weight?

Watch the video to find out more and see how Dyson engineers took on the challenge.

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The brief

Construct a chair that you can sit on using only cardboard. No glue, tape or other fixing materials allowed.

The method

  1. Write down or sketch some ideas as to how you will construct the chair.
  2. When you are planning, think about using cones, interlocking sheets, spirals, tubes – or even using strips of card like sewing thread.
  3. Use the materials to create a chair made from cardboard.
  4. If your first design doesn’t work, evaluate what went wrong and try again.

Top tip

Think about structure.

The process

  1. Watch the video above.
  2. Check out the “challenge card” in the download section. It has a great diagram and tips.
  3. Get busy and build your own chair!
  4. Record results and a picture in your journal.
Journal Questions
  1. Who did you ask to sit in your chair?
  2. Did you have to try several different design?
  3. What did not work very well?
  4. If you were to try again what would you do differently?

Earn badges and qualify for prize drawing by registering and answering journal questions. It's fun and easy!

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Topics

Engineering
Grade Level
4-5
6-8

Creator

James Dyson Foundation
ENGINEERING THE FUTURE

Curator

STEAMfest

STEAMfest

Imagine, Discover, Explore

Materials

  • Cardboard
  • Cutting equipment (with adult supervision)
  • Rulers
  • Pencils

Downloads

JDF_Challenge_Card_Cardboard_Chair

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  Photography by: Georgina Emily Photography

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