DIY Rotating Dolphin Animation Box Tutorial

This tutorial will guide you through creating a mechanical animation box that makes dolphins appear to jump when you rotate a handle. Follow these detailed steps based on the provided images.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard box
• Blue construction paper or printed dolphin cutouts
• Thin wire
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tape
• Pen or marker
• Skewer or small stick (for handle)
• Small piece of white paper (for handle)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dolphins

1. Cut out dolphin shapes from blue construction paper or use printed dolphin cutouts. Attach a piece of thin wire to each dolphin to serve as their support.

• Images 1-2: Shows the dolphin shapes ready and cut out.

Step 2: Prepare the Cardboard Box

2. Cut a rectangular hole in the front of the cardboard box. This will serve as the viewing window for the animation.

• Images 3-4: Cutting and positioning the rectangular hole on the box.

Step 3: Attach the Wires to the Box

3. Insert the wires with dolphins attached through small holes punched in the top of the box, making sure they can move freely up and down.

• Images 5-6: Shows the wires inserted and secured inside the box.

Step 4: Create the Rotating Handle

4. Create a rotating handle using a skewer or small stick. Attach one end of the handle to a piece of cardboard or white paper, and secure it to the side of the box using tape or glue. Ensure that the handle can rotate freely.

• Images 7-8: Positioning and attaching the handle.

Step 5: Connect the Wires to the Handle

5. Connect the wires to the rotating handle inside the box. Ensure that when the handle is turned, the dolphins move up and down.

• Images 9-10: Shows the wires connected to the handle.

Step 6: Final Assembly

6. Secure all connections with tape or glue to ensure the wires and handle stay in place during movement.

• Images 11-12: Securing the wires and handle.

Step 7: Test the Animation

7. Rotate the handle to test the movement of the dolphins. They should move up and down as the handle is turned, creating the appearance of jumping dolphins.

• Images 13-16: Demonstrating the movement and checking the jumping animation of the dolphins.

Conclusion

By carefully following these steps, you can create an engaging and interactive rotating dolphin animation box. Enjoy your creation and feel free to customize it with additional decorations and themes!