Grade 4 · Ages 9-10
Fourth graders can hold two variables in mind at once. Each of these kits has more than one thing worth changing, so students move from asking whether it works to asking which change made it better.
$1.15
lowest cost per student
45-75 min
activity time
01
Energy conversion · flight
Rubber Band Helicopters
- Simple and quick to build. Challenging and fun to optimize.
- Number of rubber bands, amount of energy stored, flying technique, and the paper cutout all affect flight time.
- Shows energy conversion directly: stored elastic energy becomes rotation, then lift.
Why it fits fourth grade
- Lots of variables to explore, so there's plenty to keep even the sharpest 4th graders busy.
- Students can build and test independently, allowing the teacher to focus on supporting investigations and redesigns.
- A simple, short build time means students can run dozens of tests in one class.
$22.46
$24.95
Builds 10 helicopters
Price per student: $2.25
Pack size
02
Thrust · vehicles
Rubber Band Propeller Cars
- A wound-up rubber band drives a propeller that pushes the car forward.
- Propeller angle, number of rubber bands, amount of energy, and wheel steering all affect the outcome.
- First build that combines stored energy, propulsion, and friction in one vehicle.
Why it fits fourth grade
- Builds directly on the helicopter: same science principles, now driving a vehicle.
- Assembly is straightforward at this age, which leaves most of the class time for students to test and observe.
- Distance traveled is easy for students to measure independently, whether it's down a hallway or on blacktop.
$36.86
$40.95
Builds 10 propeller cars
Price per student: $3.69
Pack size
03
First circuits · STEM
Doodling Scribble Bots
- Students wire a motor to a battery pack with plug-and-socket connectors, then tape markers to a cup.
- An off-center weight drives the motion. Weight position, motor position, and marker angle all change the pattern.
- A true STEAM activity that combines science concepts like frequency with a fun artistic outcome.
Why it fits fourth grade
- Circuitry from scratch is still challenging at this age, but the plug-and-socket wires mean students can build the circuit on their own.
- Lots of variables to experiment with. Teachers can limit or expand the variables to meet their class where they are.
- Testing on the same large sheet of paper adds a collaborative element as kids observe each other's designs.
$58.46
$64.95
Builds 10 scribble bots
Price per student: $5.85
Pack size
Run all three as a unit on energy transfer
Pack sizes differ between kits, so check the student count on each one before ordering for a full class.
All three kits, one of each
$117.78
$130.85
POs accepted. Free shipping.