Designed by Tiger

Cub Scouts · Adventure, Elective

Designed by Tiger lets you think like an engineer. You'll draw an idea, build it, find a way to make it better, and then show off the finished project. Engineers improve things one step at a time, just like you will.

Why it's worth it

Every bridge, toy, and tablet started as a drawing. In Designed by Tiger you'll think like an engineer: draw an idea, build it, look for a way to make it better, and then build it again. Engineers rarely get it perfect on the first try, and neither will you, which is the fun part. You'll learn that "better" is something you can make with your own hands.

Start this week

Draw three things you'd love to build, like a birdhouse, a robot, or a marble run, and pick one.
Collect building materials: boxes, tubes, tape, string, craft sticks, and cups.
Ask your adult to set aside a spot where your project can stay while you work on it.

Stay safe

Adults handle sharp scissors, box cutters, and hot glue. Tigers can design, measure, tape, and test.

Requirements · 5

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

Requirement 1
Think of something you'd like to build and draw how the finished project should look
Tip: Draw something you'd love to build, like a birdhouse, robot, or race car.
For example: Draw a cardboard robot: a box body, tube arms, bottle-cap eyes, and a paper-cup hat. Label each part so you know what materials to find.
Requirement 2
Build the project, following your drawing
Tip: Use blocks, boxes, or craft supplies and follow your drawing as you build.
For example: Build the robot by following your drawing. Tape the tubes to the box, glue the bottle caps on with your adult, and set it on the table to see if it stands.
Requirement 3
When it's done, talk with your adult partner about how the project could be better
Tip: Talk with your adult about what works and what could be better.
For example: Talk with your adult: "The arms keep falling off. What if we push them through holes instead of taping them?" Pick the best idea.
Requirement 4
Make that improvement to your project
Tip: Pick one improvement and try it. It's fine if it takes a few tries.
For example: Cut holes for the arms with your adult's help and slide the tubes in. Now they stay on and even swing. Test it again.
Requirement 5
Draw your finished project
Tip: Draw your finished project and compare it with your first drawing.
For example: Draw your finished robot next to your first drawing. Circle the parts that changed and tell your den why you changed them.

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 with a maker space
Many have building tables, tools, and helpers where you can design, test, and improve ideas.
How: Have your adult check the museum's website for family maker hours or free days, and go with your family or den.

Talk about it together

What was the hardest part of building from your drawing?
What change made your project better, and how did you think of it?
How did it feel when something didn't work the first time?
What would you build next if you had any materials you wanted?

Helpful reads

Cub Scouts: a guide for families, How Cub Scout ranks and adventures work from kindergarten through fifth grade, what an adult partner does, and how to keep it fun at meetings and at home., Families · Leaders · 4 min read

For leaders & parents

Stock a bin of cardboard, tape, and craft supplies so Tigers can build freely.
Celebrate the improvements, not just the final product.

People & places that can help

Your den leader — Can share den plans and help you sign off what you've done.
Public library — Picture books and videos on the topic; librarians can help find more.
A local children's or science museum — Building and design exhibits to spark ideas.
Designed by Tiger adventure page (opens in a new tab) — Den building and design activities for each requirement.
PBS KIDS Design Squad (opens in a new tab) — Videos and building challenges about designing, testing, and improving.

Tiger, Rank · 7 requirements

Into this? Explore more

Art and making, Drawing, painting, sculpture, crafts, and design

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