Cardboard Hydraulic Scissor-Lift Extension Platform

60 mins Ages 7-9 Indoor

An engaging, screen-free learning activity that builds real-world creativity and critical thinking for kids aged 7 to 9.

Materials Needed

  • • Heavy craft cardboard strips (6 cut strips)
  • • Brass paper fasteners (split brads) (7 units)
  • • 10 mL plastic needleless syringes (2 units)
  • • Clear vinyl flexible tubing (approx. 30 cm) (1 piece)
  • • Water and hot glue gun (1 set)

Pro Tips

  • → Join intersecting cardboard X-linkages using brass paper brads, keeping the joints loose enough to pivot freely.
  • → Fill two syringes connected by vinyl tubing with water, clearing out any air bubbles.
  • → Attaching the slave syringe plunger to the base of the scissor linkage allows pushing the master syringe to lift the platform high into the air.

Safety First

Ensure syringes are blunt needle-free plastic units; supervise hot glue use.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Step 1

Cut 6 identical cardboard strips (15 cm long) and join them into three connected X-pairs using brass paper fasteners.

2

Step 2

Connect two 10 mL syringes with flexible vinyl tubing, fill the system with water, and purge all air bubbles.

3

Step 3

Glue the base of the scissor linkage and the slave syringe barrel to a cardboard foundation plate.

4

Step 4

Push the master syringe plunger to watch the hydraulic fluid expand the linkages, elevating the platform vertically.

What they are learning

Scissor-linkage mechanical displacement Pascal's hydraulic fluid power transmission Linear mechanical amplification