The theme of this year’s Des Moines Mini Maker Faire is Empowered Tools—exploring how both high-tech and low-tech tools can amplify creativity, problem-solving, and discovery. Few materials capture that balance better than cardboard!
In our Innovation Lab, cardboard is a go-to material because it’s accessible, flexible, and endlessly adaptable. When paired with the right tools, it becomes a powerful way for learners of all ages to turn ideas into tangible creations.
Best for: Open-ended creativity, rapid prototyping, all ages
If we had to pick one all-time favorite cardboard tool, it would be Makedo.
Makedo sets are intuitive, durable, and immediately empowering for kids. The kid-safe tools and reusable screws let learners jump straight into building without tape or glue, which means structures can evolve, collapse, and rebuild without frustration.
The Makedo saw is always a hit. It’s just sharp enough to be effective, but designed with safety in mind, making it approachable for younger makers with minimal instruction.
Bonus: there are tons of free printable STL accessories available online, like hinges, wheels, and brackets, that extend what learners can do and invite tinkering with 3D printing alongside cardboard.
Why we love it at SCI:
These intuitive tools are a great way to work on STEM concepts with the whole family!
Best for: Structured builds, prompts
3DUX kits work well to connect everyday cardboard box pieces at 90, 60, 120, and 180 degree angles. They’re a great way to introduce angles and basic engineering using recycled cardboard.
We often pair these with building prompts—design an insect, construct a city skyline, engineer a bridge—and let learners collaborate their way to a solution. The connectors help structures feel sturdy, which is especially encouraging for learners who might otherwise get discouraged when things fall apart.
Why we love it at SCI:
We love these for repetitive or patterned builds, like a 3D maze or parking garage for robot cars.
Best for: Adult prep, clean cuts
These scissors are a quiet MVP in our spaces.
Cardboard can be tough on regular scissors, and these make cutting smooth and predictable, perfect for teachers, facilitators, or caregivers prepping materials ahead of time. They’re especially helpful when setting up activities for smaller hands.
Why we love them at SCI:
They cut cardboard so much more easily than regular scissors!
Best for: Precision parts, advanced making
We have two Glowforge laser cutters, and while we’ll be honest, they’re expensive and take time to set up, they’re incredibly powerful once running.
We cut cardboard on the laser all the time: custom shapes, puzzle pieces, tactile components, layered diagrams, and parts that would be tedious or inconsistent by hand. Laser-cut cardboard lets us add precision without losing the warmth and accessibility of the material.
If owning one isn’t realistic, laser cutters can often be found in community maker spaces, like the Des Moines Central Library Tech Central or right here in our Innovation Lab!
Why we love them at SCI:
They unlock repeatable, high-quality components that support deeper learning experiences.
Best for: Younger makers, confidence-building
Many people don’t realize that low-temperature glue guns exist—and once they do, it opens up a whole new world of making for younger learners.
There are several brands available, but the AdTech Cool Tool Kit is designed specifically with smaller hands in mind. The glue gun runs at a lower temperature than standard models, which significantly reduces the risk of burns while still providing enough hold for cardboard, paper, and lightweight materials. That makes it a fantastic option for elementary-aged makers who are ready to move beyond tape but aren’t quite ready for high-temp tools.
We use low-temp glue guns when learners need to affix parts quickly. It helps keep momentum going and supports independence, which is a big win in busy maker spaces.They work well with cardboard, but we often use them with fabric as an alternative to the sewing machines during textile crafting sessions.
Why we love it at SCI:
It introduces adhesive tools safely, builds maker confidence, and bridges the gap between simple materials and more complex construction.
Best for: Tool confidence, independence, safety-first cutting
We don’t own a Chomp Saw at SCI, but we’ve used them and understand their value. The Chomp Saw is a great way to introduce learners to independent tool use. Kids can operate it on their own with clear safety boundaries, which builds confidence and responsibility.
There are limitations, it doesn’t handle very thick cardboard well, and it’s a pricier option for a tool that can only be used by one person at a time, but for the right material, it’s a solid addition to a tool lineup.
Why we love it at SCI:
It expands the range of tools kids feel capable using on their own.
The Empowered Tools theme reminds us that it’s not about choosing between high-tech or low-tech—it’s about using the right tools to amplify creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Cardboard proves this every week in our Innovation Lab. Whether learners are turning a box into an insect, a city, a costume, or a prototype, these tools help ideas take shape and invite makers to see themselves as capable creators.
We invite you to explore these tools with us—at the Science Center of Iowa, in your classroom or home, or at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire. Try something new, mix simple materials with powerful tools, and discover how even the most ordinary cardboard can become extraordinary when creativity is empowered.