..using a small motor you can create a kinetic bug that draws or create more than one to have a race with your friends
What you will need:
*1- 1.5 volt motor (found at most hobby shops)
*1- battery holder with on/off switch or tape the battery to the motor and connect the wires from the motor to the battery
*1- battery AA
*scissors and pencil
*small piece of coloured paper to decorate the bug
*pliers
*19 gauge wire (copper or any malleable wire)
*plastic
tubing (the gauge should be able to fit on the tip end of the motor –
if it doesn’t fit snugly you can put a bit of the duct tape on the end)
*roll of duct tape
step one:
..first tape together the motor and the battery holder (if you got one with an on/off switch – make sure to place battery in holder)
step two:
..take the wire and cut into three pieces 7 in. long
step three:
..tape the legs on the motor and battery body – try to tape the legs without taking the whole thing apart to change the battery or you can use a good quality battery that will last a long time.
..Once you tape the legs to the body bend them downwards and turn the ends of the legs up so the feet of the bug is round
Step four:
..Take the plastic tubing and insert it on the tip end of the motor – you will need to play around with the length – it depends on the height of your legs. Do a test and turn it on - the plastic tube should be able to spin in a full circle while hitting the surface
If you want to race your kinetic bugs – I find it’s good to have them on a bit of an incline – we used an elevated cutting board. The plastic tubing on the end makes the kinetic bug move.
* make sure to secure the tubing very well so when the motor is turned on it doesn’t fly off.
Step five:
..To make the bug drawing use the pliers to break the tip end of the pencil and duct tape it to the tip of the tube
Haha!! Very good - I know of a few people who will just LOVE this! Thank you so much for sharing ;)
Posted by: rebecca | April 09, 2008 at 04:29 AM
I just found you and think you are amazing- I am slightly scared to show your blog to my 6 year old son because I know he will expect (and want) to make everything IMMEDIATELY!!!
Posted by: janet clare | April 09, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Wow what an amazing site. Really, I am so impressed with all of your craft ideas and projects. My son just turned two and I am looking forward to trying some out. I also added you site to my page. Great job.
Posted by: Pecos Blue | April 13, 2008 at 06:49 PM
Thank you so much for this idea I think it's wonderful. I will be ordering alot of engines so that my students can try this fun drawing project. Fantastic
Posted by: Hazel Terry | April 24, 2008 at 05:13 AM
I love this, thanks! Now I can build my own critters and stop winding them up.
Posted by: jeff woodbury | May 04, 2009 at 06:23 AM