How to Make a Rainstick Without Nails

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Things You'll Need

  • Paper towel tube

  • Construction paper

  • Poster board

  • Compass

  • Pencil

  • Scissors

  • Craft glue

  • Aluminum foil

  • Rice

  • Markers

  • Paint

  • Stickers

In times of drought, the rain stick was created and used as a musical instrument in Northern Chile as a way to call the rain. The Chilean people made their instruments with cactus needles and small pebbles to create the sound of the rain. Today, children can learn about history, as well as art, by making their own rain sticks.

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Step 1

Set the paper towel tube upright on a piece of construction paper or poster board. Trace around the bottom, creating a circle. Use a compass to create a circle that is 1 to 2 inches bigger. Do this twice to create the ends for the rain stick.

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Step 2

Cut out both circles. Line just above the bottom of the paper towel tube with glue and place a circle on one end. Line up the circle evenly and press it firmly on the tube and let it dry.

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Step 3

Cut a piece of aluminum foil that is 1 1/2 times longer than the tube. Roll the foil between your palms to create a long, narrow shape. Twist it to create a spiral shape. Wrap it around the tube and slowly pull it off.

Step 4

Drop the foil inside the tube and pour 1 cup of dried rice in.

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Step 5

Glue the other circle on the open end and let it dry.

Step 6

Decorate your rain stick with markers, paint and stickers.

Tip

Have children wear a smock if using paint to protect their clothing.

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