Webelos Modular Design Adventure for 2024

This for the 2024 program year Cub Scout updates. This new program takes effect on June 1, 2024. See more details about the overall program updates here.

The Webelos Modular Design Adventure introduces young Scouts to the concept of modular design, a method used in engineering. This adventure is part of the STEM program in Cub Scouts and focuses on building skills and understanding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By participating in this adventure, Webelos learn to think like engineers. They explore how objects can be assembled from smaller parts, which is a basic engineering principle.

Through a series of hands-on activities, Webelos engage with real-world applications of modular design. They start by learning what modular design is and discovering examples of it in everyday life. This helps them understand how many things around them are built and how they can be a part of creating new things. The activities are designed to spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving skills.

Working on the Modular Design Adventure also teaches Webelos important life skills such as following instructions, communicating clearly, and collaborating with others. They build models using modular pieces and then write instructions for others to follow. This exercise helps them learn to communicate step-by-step processes clearly, which is crucial in any project management or engineering task.

Overall, this adventure not only teaches Webelos about engineering and design but also helps them develop confidence and creativity. These skills are valuable not just in scouting but in daily life. The Modular Design Adventure is a great way for Webelos to have fun while learning important concepts and skills that will help them in future scouting adventures and beyond.

Modular Design Adventure Requirements

1. Learn what modular design is and identify three things that use modular design in their construction. 
2. Using modular-based building pieces, build a model without a set of instructions.
3. Using the model made in requirement 2, create a set of step-by-step instructions on how to make your model. 
4. Have someone make your model using your instructions.
5. Using the same modular pieces used in Requirement 2, build another model of something different.
6. With your parent or legal guardian’s permission, watch a video demonstrating how something was built using modular design.

Printable requirements for the Webelos Modular Design Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Webelos Modular Design Adventure

Webelos Adventures Check Off Sheet

What Is Modular Design?

Modular design is a way of making things by using parts that fit together in different ways. This method lets you create many items from the same pieces. It’s like using building blocks. Once you understand how each piece works, you can build various things with them.

In the Webelos Modular Design Adventure, the first requirement is to learn what modular design is. Webelos also need to find examples of things that use modular design. Some common examples include:

• Furniture – Some chairs and tables come in parts you can put together at home. You can add or remove parts to change how they look or function.
• Toys – Building toys like LEGO are made of small blocks that connect in many ways. You can build cars, houses, and more using the same blocks.
• Computers – Computers can be assembled from parts like memory cards, processors, and hard drives. You can upgrade or replace these parts as needed.

Understanding modular design helps Webelos think about how things are made and how they can create or modify things themselves. This is a basic step in learning about engineering and design.

Build a Model

In the second requirement of the Webelos Modular Design Adventure, Scouts are asked to build a model using pieces that fit together, without following any instructions. This task encourages creativity and problem-solving. Scouts use their imagination to design and build something unique.

For this activity, Webelos can use common building toys that are often found in homes and schools. Some popular options include:

1. Legos – These are small plastic bricks that snap together. Webelos can use Legos to build anything they can imagine, from buildings to vehicles.
2. K’Nex – These pieces include rods and connectors that fit together to create structures and moving models, like Ferris wheels or cranes.
3. Construx – Similar to Legos, these are plastic blocks that connect to build various shapes and structures.
4. Erector Sets – These sets include metal pieces, screws, and bolts, allowing the construction of more mechanical models, like robots or vehicles.
5. Other Options – Add your own ideas to the comments.

Using these toys, Webelos can explore building different types of models. They learn to think about how pieces can work together and what structures are sturdy. This exercise helps them understand the basics of design and engineering in a hands-on way.

Step-by-step Instructions

For requirement three of the Webelos Modular Design Adventure, Scouts need to write step-by-step instructions on how to build the model they created in the previous task. This activity helps Scouts learn how to communicate clearly and effectively.

Here are some tips for creating good instructions:

1. Start with a list of materials: Begin by listing all the pieces needed to build the model. This helps the person building it gather everything before starting.
2. Break it down: Divide the building process into clear, simple steps. Each step should focus on one part of the model. For example, “First, connect a blue block to a red block.”
3. Use simple language: Write the instructions in easy words and short sentences. Avoid technical terms that might confuse others.
4. Include pictures or diagrams: If possible, add images showing each step. Pictures can help explain more clearly than words alone.
5. Test your instructions: Have someone else try to build the model using your instructions. Watch them as they build to see if they understand each step. If they struggle, ask what was confusing and improve the instructions based on their feedback.

By following these steps, Webelos learn the importance of clear communication. This skill is useful in many areas, not just building models.

Use the Instructions

For requirement four, Scouts need to have someone else build their model using the instructions they created. This step tests how clear and effective their instructions are.

1. Choose a builder: Pick someone who hasn’t seen your model before. This could be another Scout, a friend, or a family member.
2. Give them the instructions: Hand over your written instructions and the pieces needed to build the model. Don’t help or give hints unless they are completely stuck. This will show you if your instructions stand on their own.
3. Observe: Watch carefully as they build. Note any steps they find confusing or difficult. See if they use the pieces correctly as described in your instructions.
4. Get feedback: After they finish, ask for their thoughts on the instructions. Were they easy to follow? What could be improved?
5. Revise: Use the feedback to make your instructions better. You might need to clarify certain steps or add more details to help future builders.

This requirement helps Scouts understand the importance of clear instructions in teaching and communication. It’s a practical way to see the impact of their words and learn how to be better communicators.

Build Something Else

In requirement five, Scouts are asked to build a new model using the same pieces they used in requirement two. This task encourages creativity and flexibility in using available resources.

1. Think creatively: Look at your building pieces and think about what different things you can make. Don’t just change the first model a little; try to create something completely new.
2. Plan your model: Before you start building, have a basic idea of what you want to make. It could be something real or something from your imagination.
3. Use different combinations: Try putting the pieces together in ways you haven’t used before. This can help you discover new possibilities and designs.
4. Test and adjust: As you build, you might find that some parts don’t work as expected. Don’t be afraid to take apart and redo sections of your model until you are happy with it.
5. Enjoy the process: Remember, the goal is to learn and have fun. Enjoy the challenge of creating something new from the same pieces.

This requirement helps Scouts to learn to innovate with limited resources, an important skill in both engineering and everyday problem solving.

Watch a Modular Design Video

Requirement six of the Webelos Modular Design Adventure involves watching a video about how something is built using modular design. This requirement helps Scouts see real-world applications of the concepts they’ve been exploring.

Here are some introductory videos to start with:

Introduction to Modular Design

Modular Sculpture | Easy 3D Sculpture

What’s Modularity? LEGO Creator

What is modular design?

Modular design is a way to build things using parts that fit together in different ways. It helps you create many things using the same parts.

Do I need special pieces for the building activities?

No, you can use common building toys like Legos, K’Nex, or any similar modular building sets. Use what you have that fits together.

Can I get help when building my models?

You can ask for ideas or suggestions, but try to build your model by yourself. This helps you learn and think creatively.

What should I do if my instructions are hard to follow?

Ask someone to build your model using your instructions. Watch what troubles them and update your instructions to make them clearer.

Why do I need to make another model using the same pieces?

Building a different model with the same pieces teaches you to be creative and flexible with limited resources.

What kind of video should I watch for requirement six?

Look for a video that shows how something is built using modular design. It could be about buildings, furniture, or machines. Make sure it’s appropriate and educational.

What if I don’t have access to the internet to watch a video?

Talk to your Scout leader or a parent about alternative ways to learn about modular design. Maybe a book, magazine, or local examples of modular construction could be used instead.

The Webelos Modular Design Adventure is a fun and educational journey that teaches young Scouts about the basics of engineering through modular design. This adventure is part of the Webelos STEM curriculum and encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

In this adventure, Webelos start by learning what modular design is and identifying items around them built using this concept. They use modular building toys to construct different models, which helps them understand how components fit together to create diverse structures and mechanisms.

The adventure also involves creating instructions for building a model they designed. This task teaches Scouts the importance of clear communication. They must write down each step so someone else can follow along and build the same model without any help. It’s a practical exercise in teaching and verifying their ability to convey information effectively.

Lastly, watching a video on modular design shows Webelos real-world applications of the principles they’ve been using. This helps connect their activities to larger concepts and demonstrates the relevance of what they’re learning in everyday life.

By participating in this adventure, Webelos not only gain knowledge about engineering and design but also develop useful life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.