Have you ever wanted to create something that flies, right in your own home? Look no further! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a simple yet exciting cup helicopter.
This project is perfect for kids and adults alike, combining creativity with a touch of science.
Using everyday materials, you can create a helicopter that really spins and soars through the air. It’s a fantastic activity for a rainy day, a classroom project, or just some fun family time.
Join me as I walk you through the steps to make your very own DIY cup helicopter!
Materials Needed
- 1 plastic or paper cup
- 1 sheet of paper
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Rubber band
- 1 small bead or pearl
- 2 sticks (one small, one larger)
- Decorations (markers, stickers, etc.)
Instructions
Prepare the Cup
Take a plastic or paper cup and decorate it as desired. You can use markers, stickers, or any other decoration materials.
Create the Helicopter Tail
Cut a round hole in the middle of the cup’s bottom.
Cut a strip of paper and shape it into a funnel. Insert this funnel into the hole in the bottom of the cup. This will act as the helicopter’s tail.
Add the Helicopter Tail Fins
Cut another piece of paper into a “+” (plus) sign shape and attach it to the end of the paper funnel using tape or glue. These will act as the helicopter’s tail fins.
Insert the Rubber Band
Make a small hole at the bottom of the cup, if not already done.
Take a rubber band and thread it through a small bead or pearl to keep it from slipping through the hole.
Insert the rubber band through the hole in the bottom of the cup, pulling it through to the inside.
Create the Helicopter Blades
On the bottom side of the cup, secure the rubber band by tying it to a small stick, and add plus sign paper which will act as the rotor blade. This stick should be placed horizontally and will spin when the rubber band unwinds.
On the top side of the cup, pull the other end of the rubber band through the cup’s opening.
Secure the Top Mechanism
Attach a larger stick to the top end of the rubber band that comes out from the cup’s opening. This stick should be vertical and will act as a handle to twist and release the rubber band.
Wind the larger stick several times to twist the rubber band tightly.
Release and Watch It Spin
Hold the cup firmly and release the larger stick. The untwisting rubber band will cause the lower stick to spin, creating a propeller effect similar to a helicopter.
Your cup helicopter is now ready! Twist the handle, let it go, and watch it spin and mimic a helicopter’s flight.
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