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Build It Up, Knock It Down

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Printable worksheet (PDF)

Build It Up, Knock It Down is all about building, and yes, knocking things over. You'll build with your adult partner and your den, then make something just for the fun of seeing it fall. It's a great way to learn how things balance and stand.

Why it's worth it

Builders, engineers, and architects all started by stacking blocks and watching them fall. In this adventure you get to do both on purpose. You'll build with your grown-up, build something bigger with your den or family, and then make something just to knock down. Each time it falls, you learn something about how to make the next one stand taller.

Start this week

  1. Gather building stuff from around the house: blocks, paper cups, empty boxes, or toilet paper tubes.
  2. Build one tower with your grown-up and count how many pieces tall it gets before it wobbles.
  3. Save clean cardboard boxes this week for a bigger build with your den or family.

Requirements · 3

Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab).

  1. Requirement 1

    Build a structure with your adult partner

    Tip: Use blocks, cups, or boxes with your adult partner. See how tall you can build before it wobbles.

    For example: Build a bridge with your grown-up using two stacks of books and a piece of cardboard. Put toy cars on it one at a time. How many can it hold before it sags?

  2. Requirement 2

    Build a structure with your den or family

    Tip: Work together with your den or family to build something big, like a fort from cardboard boxes.

    For example: Your den builds a cardboard castle together. One group makes the walls, one makes the towers, and one makes a door that opens. Everyone helps tape it together.

  3. Requirement 3

    Build something meant to be knocked down

    Tip: Line up dominoes or stack cups so they topple in a fun way, then knock them down and watch.

    For example: Stand dominoes or wooden blocks in a long curvy line, or stack paper cups into a pyramid. Then tap the first one or roll a ball at the pyramid and watch it all fall down.

Places to visit

Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.

  • A children's museum or science center

    Many have giant blocks, building tables, and ramps where you can test your ideas.

    How: Have your adult check the museum's website for family hours or free days, and go with your den or family.

Talk about it together

  • What did you build that you are most proud of?
  • Why do you think your tower fell, and what would you try next time?
  • What was it like to build with your den instead of by yourself?
  • What is the biggest thing you'd like to build someday?

Helpful reads

For leaders & parents

  • Collect cardboard, paper cups, and recycled boxes ahead of time for a big den build.
  • Ask Lions why their tower fell and what might make it stronger next time.

People & places that can help

Pairs well with

Counts toward

More Lion adventures

Into this? Explore more

Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.