How to Make a Bean Popper

A bean popper is not at all like a popcorn popper; however, you can use popcorn kernels instead of beans if you like. A bean popper is a creative type of sling shot that is simple to make, but will take some practice in perfecting your aim.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Scissors
• Water bottle
• Large balloons
• Electrical tape
• Beans

1. Cut both ends off of an old water bottle so that you have a long tube that is even on all sides. A smaller water bottle works best. However, if you use large balloons, you can use a large tube and launch larger objects in your bean popper.
2. Choose large-mouthed balloons with lots of stretch, and keep some extras handy, as balloons tend to break after popping a few dozen beans. Stretch out the opening of the balloon and then open it carefully and stretch it over one end of the water bottle tube. If you cannot find large enough balloons, you can trim off the mouth and slip the wider portion of the balloon over the bottle.
3. Make sure that your balloon is held securely onto the bottle by wrapping a piece of electrical tape around the edge of the balloon.
4. Place a bean inside of the popper so that it falls into the balloon. Pinch the bean between your fingers, and stretch the balloon back while you grip the tube firmly with your other hand. Find an inanimate object as your target, and practice shooting.

Tips & Warnings

• Beans are hard and fly fast when they leave your popper. Never aim at people, windows or other objects that you may possibly damage.