How to Make a Kazoo With a Toilet Paper Roll & Aluminum Foil

A homemade kazoo can be made with a toilet paper roll and aluminum foil.

A kazoo is a musical instrument that vibrates when the player hums or sings into it. Unlike other wind instruments, such as a flute, a kazoo will not play if air is blown into it. The instrument is constructed from a hollow pipe made from metal, plastic or wood. Inside of the pipe is a membrane that is able to oscillate. To make a kazoo with a toilet paper roll and aluminum foil, combine them so that the roll forms the pipe, while the foil forms the membrane. The homemade instrument can be made and enjoyed by both children and adults.

Things You'll Need

• Toilet paper roll
• Aluminum foil
• Hole punch
• Large rubber band
• Scissors
• Construction paper
• Glitter
• Crayons
• Glue
• Tape

Instructions

1. Decorate the toilet paper roll by covering it with aluminum foil, glitter or construction paper. Use tape or glue to hold the materials in place. Children can also decorate the roll by coloring it with crayons.

2. Create a hole that is approximately 2 inches from one end of the roll. Use the hole puncher to do so.

3. Use the scissors to cut a 5-by-5 square inch out of the aluminum foil. Place the foil over the end nearest the hole. Wrap the rubber band around the foil so that it is taut and does not slip.

4. Hold your mouth against the uncovered end of the homemade kazoo. Hum or sing into it to produce sounds.

References

• “Build a Better Mousetrap: Make Classic Inventions, Discover Your Problem-Solving Genius, and Take the Inventor's Challenge”; Ruth Kassinger; 2002
• “More Mudpies to Magnets: Science for Young Children”; Robert A. Williams et al.; 1990

Resources

• All Kids Network: Toilet Paper Roll Kazoo Craft
• A Place of Our Own: Homemade Kazoos
• Sguiggly’s Arts and Crafts: Squigly’s Kazoo