How to Make a Police Whistle

You can make a police whistle from common household items.

The police whistle is the best-selling type of whistle in the world. Its name comes from the fact that policemen commonly use it, as its high pitch is ideal for attracting attention. Police whistles sold in stores are made of plastic or brass, which machines cut, bend and seal into shape. If the whistle is made of brass, it's then plated in chrome or nickel. Through a simpler process, you can make your own police whistle at home using 10 household items.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 cups cold water
• Food coloring (optional)
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Plate
• Damp towel
• Fork
• Popsicle stick

Instructions

Making the Clay

1. In the saucepan, stir baking soda and 1 cup of cornstarch into 1 1/2 cups of water. If you want to color the clay, stir in food coloring one drop at a time until you achieve the desired color.

2. Boil the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until its texture resembles mashed potatoes.

3. Pour the mixture onto the plate. Cover it with the damp towel to keep it moist while it cools.

4. Cover a flat surface with the remaining cornstarch. Knead the cool mixture on the dusted surface until you can pull and shape it without breaking it.

Forming the Whistle

1. Pull off two small pieces of clay about the size of your palm. Cover the rest of the clay with the damp towel.

2. Roll one piece of clay into a ball and press your thumb into the center of it. Pinch the center toward the outside of the ball until you have formed a bowl of even thickness. Repeat this with the other piece of clay to form a bowl of equal size.

3. Gently drag the prongs of the fork over the rim of each bowl to roughen the clay. Rub water on each rim.

4. Press the rims of the bowls together to form a ball. Make the seam of the ball invisible using your fingers and the Popsicle stick to smooth it over. This will be the air chamber of the whistle.

5. Pull off another piece of clay that is about half the size of your palm. Flatten it into a sheet about 1/4 inch thick and fold the clay around the Popsicle stick to form a neat rectangular prism. This will be the mouthpiece of the whistle.

6. Carefully remove the stick from the center of the prism. Stab the stick into the ball at an angle to remove clay in the shape of a wedge. The result should be a neat hole that can hold the prism like a plank, leaving half the hole open to release air.

7. Gently blow into the mouthpiece to check the sound of the whistle. Adjust it until a clear, high-pitched sound comes through the air hole.

8. Use the fork to roughen the seams where the mouthpiece meets the air chamber. Wet the seams and smooth them over, being careful not to displace the mouthpiece.

9. Leave the whistle uncovered to dry. Turn it over every 12 hours until all sides are completely dry.

References

• Homeschooling Ideas: How to Make Clay - Homemade Clay Recipes
• Incredible Art Lessons: How to Make a Clay Whistle