Make Spooky Wind Up Critters

Here’s What You’ll Need

• paper cup

• small roll of tape (make sure it fits inside your cup)

• rubber bands

• scissors

• markers

• optional: construction paper (we used this for our bat wings!)

Make Spooky Wind-Up Critters

Step 1: Turn the cup upside down and draw a spooky face.

Step 2: Stretch the rubber band around the tape roll, taping it into place so the tape can spin like a wheel. 

Step 3: Stretch a few rubber bands around the tape to create wheel-like tire treads. 

Step 4: Cut two notches in the lip of the cup. Hook the rubber band around the notches to attach the wheel.

Expert tip: after you’ve attached the wheel, tape the notches to the cup to add some extra structure to your wind up critter! 

Step 5: Spin the wheel backwards to wind it up. Then let go and watch your critter roll!

Explore more: One wind-up is fun, but these critters really shine as a party activity. They’re quick to make, and everyone can personalize with their own silly, spooky faces. 

What’s going on? 

These critters also double as a spook-tacular demonstration of potential and kinetic energy. When you stretch out the rubber band by winding up, that’s potential energy. The rubber band isn’t moving yet, but it’s ready to. And when you let go, that’s kinetic energy, or the energy of motion. The rubber band quickly unwinds and unstretches, which turns the wheel and makes the critter roll — boo!