Each group will need:

• pre-cut hand tracing from pre-cut cardboard pieces (or any other sturdy material)
• 5 different colored drinking straws (each straw will be cut into 3 pieces, approximately 1 inch long)

Optional: students can use their hand as a reference point to cut straw pieces OR teacher can pre-cut for students (straws will be used to mimic the “joints” of the hand)

• 3 in. large diameter straw (straw will be used to connect the strings from each finger together)
• 4 pieces of masking tape (approximately 6 inches per piece)
• scissors
• small Styrofoam cup
• large foam die (available online) or any 3D shape or any similar object available in your classroom
• whiteboard eraser
• 5 pieces of string, twine, yarn or similar sturdy material (approximately 12 inches per piece)
• ruler
• notebook paper or a science notebook
• 2 pencils
• A variety of materials to facilitate critical thinking and the engineering design process
• cardstock
• glue (or glue stick)
• thread
• construction paper (cardstock and construction paper will also be used for hand tracings)
• latex glove (to cover the hand for easier gripping—students should make the connection that the glove represents the human skin that covers and protects the inner parts of the hand)

**To maximize instructional time, consider placing all core materials (straws, string, and hand tracings) into plastic bags for groups prior to students beginning the activity. This allows groups to spend more time on building their prototype and less time collecting materials.

For the entire class to share:

• robot hand grabber toy (available online)
• an option to this would be to speak with your school custodian to borrow a trash picker for this activity
• poster paper or chart paper
• laptop/tablet and projector