Cardboard Connections, Cutting, and Creations
Individual Projects Completed Together in Class

During this unit, students will learn multiple ways to manipulate and connect cardboard pieces. Students will utilize a variety of tools including: carboard scissors, punches, Chomp Saw, adhesives, fasteners, and more.
Students will work along with Mrs. Brandal's instructions to develop a resource for joining cardboard, shaping cardboard, and strengthening connections.
Joining Methods
  1. Slot & Tab Connections
    Cut slots in two pieces of cardboard so they can slide together at a right angle. Best for flat, interlocking structures like models and prototypes.
  2. Notched Tabs
    Similar to slot-and-tab, but with extra notches cut into the edges for improved grip and flexibility.
  3. Flange & Fold Tabs
    Add extra flaps that can be folded down and taped or glued to another piece, often used for attaching walls or angled sections.
  4. L-Brackets / L-Braces (Cardboard Gussets)
    Fold a strip of cardboard into an L-shape and glue/tape it into a corner to reinforce 90° joints.
  5. Toothpick or Dowel Reinforced Joints
    Push skewers, golf tees, or toothpicks through layers to pin them together. Can be further strengthened with glue for a permanent hold.
  6. Collars and Nodal Points
    Use cardboard collars to wrap around and reinforce a joint, or design nodal points by altering the paper grain direction to control strength.
  7. Hinge Joints
    Score one side for flexible folding, or use tape/fabric to create a movable joint.

Cutting & Shaping Techniques
  1. Scoring
    Lightly cut through the top layer of cardboard for clean folds without breaking the surface.
  2. Kerf Cuts
    Make a series of parallel cuts so cardboard can bend smoothly into curves.
  3. Peeling Layers
    Remove the top layer of paper to reveal the corrugation for decoration or flexibility.

Reinforcing Methods
  1. Lamination
    Glue multiple layers together with alternating flute direction for increased strength.
  2. Edge Strips
    Glue narrow strips along edges to protect them from crushing.
  3. Internal Bracing
    Add extra strips or triangular supports inside large panels to prevent bending.

Considerations for Choosing a Connection
  • Material Thickness & Weight: Match your method to the cardboard’s thickness to avoid crushing or delamination.
  • Strength Requirements: Heavier loads need stronger, reinforced joints.
  • Aesthetics: Choose visually clean methods when appearance matters.
  • Durability: For items handled often or under stress, select techniques that resist loosening over time.

Project 1 - Connections Collection
Each person will create a sampler of cardboard techniques. This project is done together in class with Mrs. Brandal. If absent, you will get materials and a sampler to copy from - SEE MRS. BRANDAL. 

Project 2 - Cardboard Creature with Slot Construction
Students will explore slot construction by making an animal that stands up without any adhesive.