
The Cardboard Carnival
We challenge you to design & build a cardboard carnival game

The Cardboard Carnival is open to all D65 students and Evanston residents in grades 5th – 8th.
The rules are simple. Design a carnival style game using cardboard and other everyday materials. You must also include one motorized element. We will provide you with a free kit to help you get started that includes supplies, tools, and everything you need.
No experience is required.
First time building a cardboard game? Never programmed a motor? We have you covered. We have created a variety of video tutorials to assist you in your design process – topics include programming a motor, building a catapult, obstacles, and more. We will also offer workshops and drop-in help hours throughout the challenge at Evanston’s Main Branch Library and at Robert Crown.


Submit your game and earn a chance to win prizes.
Submit a video of your cardboard game before the deadline and you will be entered into the challenge raffle. The more design elements you include in your game the better your chances of winning. All participants are also invited to demo their games at Cardboard Carnival Showcase on March 11th, 2023.
“It’s magical to be able to come up with ideas and then have them materialize.”
— Lonnie Johnson, NASA Engineer
Funded by the Illinois State Library – Project Next Generation Grant

