Webelos Modular Design Adventure

Adventure Type: Elective
Number of Requirements: 6
Typical Time to Complete: 2–3 weeks
Typical Number of Meetings: 1-2 meetings
Parent Involvement: Low to moderate
Preparation Needed: Gather building pieces, paper, pencils, access to video
Activity Level: Low to moderate
Indoor or Outdoor: Mostly indoor
Special Requirements: Building models, writing instructions, testing instructions, watching video
Supplies Snapshot: Modular building pieces (LEGO, K’NEX, etc.), paper, pencils, computer or device with internet

The Webelos Modular Design Adventure helps Scouts learn how things are built using smaller parts. This is called modular design. It is a simple idea used in many everyday items.

As Scouts work on this adventure, they build models, test ideas, and solve problems. They learn by doing. This makes the concepts easier to understand and keeps them engaged.

Along the way, Scouts also practice clear communication and teamwork. They learn how to explain steps and work with others. These skills are useful in Scouting and in daily life.

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

Requirement 1: What Is Modular Design?

Learn what modular design is and identify three things that use modular design in their construction.

Keep the explanation short. Modular design means building things from smaller parts that fit together in different ways. Ask Scouts to name a few examples they already know, like building toys or furniture.

Easy Option:
Show a short video about modular design, then have Scouts list three examples they see at home or school. See Modular.

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.

Requirement 2: Build a Model

Using modular-based building pieces, build a model without a set of instructions.

Have Scouts build something using modular pieces with no instructions. Let them be creative and try different ideas.

Easy Option:
Give each Scout a small set of building pieces and ask them to build anything they want in 15–20 minutes. See Let’s Build It.

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.

Requirement 3: Step-by-step Instructions

Using the model made in requirement 2, create a set of step-by-step instructions on how to make your model.

Scouts write simple steps to explain how to build their model. Keep the focus on clear, easy directions.

Easy Option:
Have Scouts draw and label each step instead of writing full sentences. See Write It Down.

Here are some other options:

• Live Action: Cub Scouts create video instructions on how to make their design structure.
• Write It Down: Cub Scouts write down instructions on how to make their design structure.

Requirement 4: Use the Instructions

Have someone make your model using your instructions.

Someone else uses the instructions to build the model. This shows if the directions make sense.

Easy Option:
Pair Scouts and have them swap instructions and build each other’s models. See Following Instructions.

Requirement 5: Build Something Else

Using the same modular pieces used in requirement 2, build another model of something different.

Scouts use the same pieces to create a new model. Encourage them to try a completely new idea.

Easy Option:
Challenge Scouts to build something that moves or has a purpose, like a bridge or vehicle. See My Build.

Requirement 6: Watch a Modular Design Video

With your parent or legal guardian’s permission, watch a video demonstrating how something was built using modular design.

Scouts see how modular design is used in real life. Keep it short and simple.

Easy Option:
Watch a short minute video together and ask Scouts to share one thing they learned.

Here are some introductory videos to consider:

• What’s Modularity? LEGO Creator (1 minute 23 seconds)
• What is Modular Construction by National Fire Protection Agency (3 minutes)
• Modular Construction at University of Michigan (3 minutes 23 seconds)
• Modular Sculpture | Easy 3D Sculpture (14 minutes)
• How To Build A Cruise Ship | How To Build Everything by The Discovery Channel (6 minutes 1 seconds)
• Toulouse – Modular furniture design by BoConcept (47 seconds)

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.