How to Make a Rainstick With Paper Towel Tubes
Originating from Chile for use in rain-summoning ceremonies, the rain stick is a musical instrument that creates a sound similar to rain when it is shaken or moved. Chilean people made rain sticks from dried cactus after removing the prickly spines. They believed that shaking them during a drought would bring rain. Make a rain stick in your class with material found in most households and give your students a lesson in history and art.
Things You'll Need
- Aluminum foil
- Rice
- Construction paper
- School glue
- Scissors
- Markers, crayons or paint
- Decorations
Instructions
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1
Set the paper towel tube upright on a piece of construction paper and trace around the end to make a small circle.
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2
Draw a larger circle around the first circle by using a drinking glass or anything that will make it easier to trace a perfect circle. Use scissors to cut out the larger circle.
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3
Draw about 10 to 15 lines in between the circles to resemble spokes on a wheel. Cut from the end of the spoke until you reach the beginning of the smaller circle. This will create a cap for the end of the tube.
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4
Put a small thin line of white glue along each side of the spokes or lines and glue the cap to one end of the tube.
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5
Cut a 6-inch wide piece of aluminum foil that is about 1 1/2 times longer than the tube. Compress the foil to make it thin, and then twist to make a long spiral.
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6
Drop the aluminum foil into the tube and then add rice, beans or popcorn kernels to make the tube about 10 percent full.
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7
Create another cap for the top of the tube.
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8
Glue the top cap on and let dry for about 10 minutes. Decorate your rain stick with markers, crayons or paint. Glue on pictures or designs as desired.
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