Build an Apple Tree

Today your little one becomes an engineer. The challenge: build a tree that can stand up on its own and hold apples. There's no right answer. The fun is in trying, watching it wobble and trying again.

What you need

Pick from whatever you have. The more choices, the better:

• Trunk ideas: a paper towel tube, a plastic cup turned upside down, a stack of blocks, a ball of playdough

• Branch ideas: craft sticks, pipe cleaners, straws, twigs from the yard

• Apple ideas: red pom-poms, red playdough balls, bottle caps or red paper circles

• Tape and playdough to hold things together

• A tray to build on

How to do it

1. Look at a tree. If you can, look at a real tree outside or in a picture. Ask, "What holds the tree up? Where do the apples grow?"

2. Build a trunk. Let your child choose a trunk and try to make it stand. Playdough at the bottom works like roots.

3. Add branches. Poke sticks or pipe cleaners into the trunk, or tape them on.

4. Hang the apples. Add apples one at a time. Count them as you go.

5. Test it. Does it stand? Does it tip over when you add more apples? If it falls, ask, "What could we change?" A wider bottom, shorter branches or fewer apples usually does the trick.

Why we love it

This is early engineering: plan, build, test, fix. Toddlers learn that things can fall over, that heavy things pull down, and that trying again is part of the job. You're also building the fine-motor skills that come from poking, pinching and balancing small pieces.

Tips from our table

• Build your own tree right next to theirs. Kids love a friendly "whose stands up best?"

• Celebrate the falls. "It fell! What should we try next?" is a great science sentence.

• Keep small pieces with a grown-up close by. Pom-poms and bottle caps are choking hazards for little ones who still mouth things.

Shop these items

Everything mentioned in this post, in one place. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

• Play-Doh 10-pack

• Pipe cleaners

• Jumbo craft sticks

• Paper straws

• Craft pom-poms

• Kids art trays

• Shop everything for Week 2: Apples

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Apple activities, Letter B activities and Number 2 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.