Let’s face it—learning to tie shoelaces is one of those classic childhood milestones. One minute, you’re chasing after a small human with laces flapping wildly behind them, the next they’re proudly tying their own double knots and marching off like they’ve conquered the moon. In Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure, our hero faces this very challenge. Yes, that’s right—Fred, brave as ever, has just mastered tying his own shoelaces. And believe it or not, there’s more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) involved in shoelace-tying than you might think!
This blog post is here to celebrate Fred’s achievement and give you some helpful tips on how to turn something as everyday as tying shoelaces into a STEM-friendly, learning-rich experience. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or curious child, there’s a lot more going on in those bunny ears than meets the eye.
The Physics of a Knot
At its core, tying your shoelaces is all about physics—forces, friction, and tension.
When Fred loops one lace under the other, he’s creating friction—the resistance between two surfaces that helps the laces stay together. The reason shoelaces come undone during a space chase (or, more likely, a playground dash) is because movement reduces the friction that holds the knot together. Some knots are more secure than others because they distribute the force better or tighten as you move.
Want to show this to your kids or pupils? Try tying a loose knot and then gently tugging it versus a tight double knot. Talk about what happens when you run or jump. Let them feel the science in action.
Engineering a Better Knot
What makes one knot better than another? This is where engineering comes in.
Fred didn’t learn to tie his shoes overnight. In fact, he had to test several different types of knots. At first, he tied something that looked more like spaghetti. It fell apart mid-mission. Then he tried the classic bunny ears method, and it worked—most of the time.
Encourage your kids to be like Fred and engineer their own solutions. Try different methods: the standard bow knot, double knot, or even the Ian Knot (yes, that’s a real thing—look it up!). Each method has pros and cons depending on how quick, secure, or easy it is. Ask questions like:
- Which knot stays tied the longest?
- Which knot is fastest to tie?
- Which one looks the neatest?
This approach taps into problem-solving, design thinking, and even a bit of trial and error—all core engineering skills.
Maths in Motion
Believe it or not, mathematics is at the heart of every shoelace.
Take symmetry for example. Fred quickly realised that if his loops weren’t even, his knot was wonky and more likely to fall apart. Teaching symmetry through laces is actually a fun and practical exercise.
You can talk about:
- Equal length of laces = balanced loops
- Angles = which direction are your loops pointing?
- Counting = how many steps does it take to tie your laces?
Here’s a fun activity: get your child to write or draw each step of tying their shoelaces like an algorithm. “Step 1: Cross the laces. Step 2: Tuck one under.” This introduces the concept of sequencing—a key maths and computing skill.
For older children, you can explore the idea of patterns—why certain knots repeat movements or mirror shapes. Even a simple knot can open the door to concepts like geometry and repetition.
Technology in Shoelaces?
This one might seem like a stretch, but technology doesn’t always mean tablets and robots. It means using tools to solve problems. Shoelaces are a technology—they’ve evolved over time to meet different needs.
From Velcro to slip-ons, and now even self-tying trainers (yes, just like in the movies!), the way we fasten shoes is constantly evolving thanks to tech innovation. Space Ranger Fred was even offered a pair of automatic space boots—but he chose to learn the skill himself. That’s real courage.
You can use this as a springboard to talk about wearable tech, design evolution, or how inventors create solutions for everyday challenges. Ask your child:
- What could make shoelaces better?
- What if someone couldn’t use their hands—how might we design laces differently?
This builds creativity and introduces the user-centred design thinking process used by real-world tech inventors.
Fred’s Top Tips for Shoelace Success
Fred may be a space ranger, but he still needed help to learn. Here are some ideas to help your own little adventurer master their laces, with a STEM twist:
- Use different coloured laces – One red, one blue. Great for learning left and right, and helps visual learners spot each step.
- Break it into steps – Write or draw a “lace-tying algorithm.” Just like programming!
- Practice on a shoe card – Make a cardboard shoe with holes and laces. No need to bend down—great for younger kids.
- Turn it into an experiment – Test different knots for speed and strength.
- Celebrate mistakes – Every failed knot is a step closer to success. Just like Fred discovered, failing forward is part of learning.
Why This Matters
Tying shoelaces might seem small, but it builds fine motor skills, confidence, and a real sense of achievement. More than that, it’s a brilliant opportunity to explore science, engineering, maths and even technology through something simple and hands-on.
When kids see STEM in their everyday lives—whether they’re tying their shoes, building a tower from cereal boxes, or helping in the kitchen—it becomes relevant. And relevance sparks curiosity.
Space Ranger Fred’s journey shows us that even the smallest victories can be full of wonder. If Fred can tie his shoelaces and still save the galaxy, your child can learn it too—with a bit of patience, imagination, and the right knot!
Final Thought
The next time you’re helping your child with their laces, remember—this isn’t just about shoes. It’s about building problem-solvers, thinkers, and future inventors. It’s about learning through doing. And if Space Ranger Fred can do it with rocket boots and an alien sidekick watching, you can too.
Happy knotting, Earthlings!
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Matt Newnham
Author of Space Ranger Fred and the Shoelace Adventure
English