Straw Shooter
- Duct tape (or foam sticker large enough to fit over end of straw)
- Two plastic straws, one thinner than the other
Creating games out of the simplest materials often bring the most fun! Straw shooters are no exception. These easy to make contraptions involve nothing but two straws and some tape, yet provide hours of entertainment. Can you shoot a straw through a hoop? Who can shoot the straw the farthest? Can you shoot the straw to hit or knock down a target? The options are endless.
Once you have your straws and tape, rip off a small piece of duct tape about 1.5 inches in length. Or if you have foam sticker take the backing off your sticker.
Stick the tape (or foam sticker) to one end of the "fatter" straw, leaving half of the tape piece unattached.
Fold over the top part of the tape (or foam sticker) to seal the opening of the straw shut. Crease the seal firmly on both sides of the straw, leaving no room for air to get in. Trim any excess tape (but don't cut your straw).
Cut about 2 inches from the unsealed end of the wider straw. Insert the thinner straw into the wider straw - the thinner straw should stick out for easy holding.
To make the Straw Shooter work simply blow into the thinner straw. The rush of air into the thin straw will put pressure on the outer, fatter straw causing it to shoot forward. The harder you blow, the farther the straw will fly!
1. This craft works just as well in reverse - meaning the thin straw gets the tape and the larger straw becomes the launcher. If you decide to make your straw shooter this way, you will not have to trim any of the straws. Try both versions and see which you like the best.
- Duct tape (or foam sticker large enough to fit over end of straw)
- Two plastic straws, one thinner than the other
Creating games out of the simplest materials often bring the most fun! Straw shooters are no exception. These easy to make contraptions involve nothing but two straws and some tape, yet provide hours of entertainment. Can you shoot a straw through a hoop? Who can shoot the straw the farthest? Can you shoot the straw to hit or knock down a target? The options are endless.
Once you have your straws and tape, rip off a small piece of duct tape about 1.5 inches in length. Or if you have foam sticker take the backing off your sticker.
Stick the tape (or foam sticker) to one end of the "fatter" straw, leaving half of the tape piece unattached.
Fold over the top part of the tape (or foam sticker) to seal the opening of the straw shut. Crease the seal firmly on both sides of the straw, leaving no room for air to get in. Trim any excess tape (but don't cut your straw).
Cut about 2 inches from the unsealed end of the wider straw. Insert the thinner straw into the wider straw - the thinner straw should stick out for easy holding.
To make the Straw Shooter work simply blow into the thinner straw. The rush of air into the thin straw will put pressure on the outer, fatter straw causing it to shoot forward. The harder you blow, the farther the straw will fly!
1. Make sure that the end of your sealed straw is entirely sealed so no air can escape.
2. Never shoot your straw at a living thing - adult supervision is always suggested.
3. Make yourself a little target - cut out a circle of paper and attach it with painter's tape to the wall. How many times can you hit the bullseye?
1. This craft works just as well in reverse - meaning the thin straw gets the tape and the larger straw becomes the launcher. If you decide to make your straw shooter this way, you will not have to trim any of the straws. Try both versions and see which you like the best.
- Duct tape (or foam sticker large enough to fit over end of straw)
- Two plastic straws, one thinner than the other
Sophie's Tip of the Week
