How to Make Homemade Science Toys
Showing children how to make homemade science toys is a great way to get them interested in the various fields of science. Science toys are not only educational, they are fun, mysterious and don't have to cost a lot to make. Whether you are a parent or a teacher, making one of these homemade science toys will make you a favorite with all the kids, and you just might find you inspire a future scientist.
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Things You'll Need
- For tin can telephone:
- 2 clean soup or vegetable cans
- Hammer
- Nail
- 10 to 12 feet of kite string
- A friend or assistant
- For hovercraft:
- Glue
- Pull-up spout top from water bottle
- Old CD or DVD
- Balloon
Instructions
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Tin Can Telephone
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1
Punch a small hole in the bottom of each can with a hammer and nail.
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2
Insert one end of the string from the outside of the can. Knot it securely so it doesn't slip back through. Two or more knots may be necessary depending on the size of your hole.
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3
Insert the other end of the string in the same manner into the other can.
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4
Hold one can, while your friend or assistant takes the other can.
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5
Walk slowly in opposite directions until the string is tight.
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6
Talk into your can while your friend or assistant holds his can to his ear. He should be able to hear what you say. Air vibrations are caused when someone speaks. These vibrations travel across the tightened string and reach the ear of the other person.
Hovercraft
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7
Glue the spout from the water bottle over the hole in the old CD or DVD. It must be a pull-up type, and should be in the up or open position while gluing.
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8
Push the spout closed after the glue has dried.
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9
Blow the balloon up and hold it closed while carefully stretching the opening over the spout.
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10
Hold the balloon in place over the spot with the forefinger and thumb of one hand, while lifting the spout open with the forefinger and thumb of the other hand.
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11
Let go. The "hovercraft" will move around the floor or table on the air that is released from the balloon.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Show, don't tell. Kids like to see how things work.
Younger children should watch while an adult punches holes for the tin can telephones. When gluing the spout, do not drip glue through the hole or your hovercraft may stick to the table.
