Folded Paper Tower Crane

You will need

• Three sheets of plain printer paperStandard letter size; one for the mast, one for the boom, one for the base
• RulerFor marking and scoring straight fold lines
• ScissorsStandard scissors; child can use their own pair
• Glue stick or white school glueFor sealing the mast column edge; glue stick dries faster here
• Washable markerFor marking fold and cut lines before scoring
• Butter knife or dull table knifeFor scoring fold lines; drag firmly along the ruler edge
• Paper clipoptionalOne large paper clip for the crane hook
• String, thin strip of scrap paper, or threadoptionalAbout 6 inches long for the hanging line

Steps

1. 1

   Score and fold the mast column

   On the first sheet of paper, use the ruler and washable marker to draw three vertical lines dividing it into four equal columns. Score along each line by dragging the butter knife firmly against the ruler. Fold along each score to make a long rectangular column and overlap the two outer edges by about half an inch — glue the overlap to seal it. Stand the column upright to check it is square; reshape it gently if it leans.

   Tip: The column needs at least ten minutes with the glued edge held or clipped before it will stand reliably.

2. 2

   Make the base plate

   Fold the second sheet into a flat accordion of roughly six folds to create a thick, ridged platform. Cut a small notch in the centre of the top surface just wide enough for the base of the mast column to slide into and stay upright. Test the fit before any glue goes on — the notch should grip the column snugly.

   Tip: If the column wobbles, wrap a strip of paper around its base to fatten it before reinserting.

3. 3

   Build and score the boom arm

   On the third sheet, mark and cut a strip roughly 2 inches wide and the full length of the page. Score a line lengthwise down the centre and fold it to make an angled V-profile beam — this makes the boom rigid along its length. One end will be the long jib; the short end is the counterweight side.

   Tip: A boom that is completely flat will droop; the V-fold is what gives it the stiffness to hold its angle.

4. 4

   Cut the mounting slot

   Cut a narrow slot across the top of the mast column — about a third of the way from one end so the boom sits off-centre the way a real tower crane does. The slot should be just wide enough for the boom's folded base to slide in. Slide the boom through and pinch the slot from the outside to hold it in place.

   Tip: Mark the slot width with the boom itself before cutting — press it lightly against the column and mark both edges.

5. 5

   Hang the hook

   Cut a short length of string or a thin paper strip and thread or tape one end to the underside of the boom at the long end. Bend a paper clip into an open hook shape and attach it to the other end of the string. Hang the hook and check that it swings freely.

   Tip: If using a paper strip instead of string, fold it lengthwise twice to make it strong enough to hold a small weight without tearing.

6. 6

   Seat the mast in the base

   Slide the base of the mast column into the notch in the accordion base plate. If it stands without support, the structure is done. Invite the child to balance a small scrap-paper ball on the hook to test whether the boom holds. If the crane leans, add more accordion folds to the base to widen the footprint.

   Tip: A small blob of school glue in the base notch sets the crane permanently if the child wants to display it.

Take it to the table

Materials checklist, the steps and the variations on one Letter page.