DIY: Paper Cup Party Popper | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Paper Cup Party Popper

Playful Learning

Ages: 6-8

30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Want to make your party more exciting? We'll create a simple yet surprising paper cup party popper! They're incredibly easy to make using common household materials. You'll be able to create a fantastic "pop" effect that will instantly fill your party with laughter and delight! Let's begin a colourful celebration!

Materials Needed

Three sheets of coloured paper (different colours)
One paper cup
Tape
Scissors
Balloon

Arranged on a light wood-grain surface are various craft supplies. On the left, a stack of pastel-colored paper sheets in light blue, yellow, and pink is visible. To the right, a small white paper cup sits next to a roll of orange tape. A deflated, pale yellow balloon and a pair of black scissors complete the arrangement. The items suggest preparation for a children's craft or science activity.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Using scissors, cut out the bottom of the paper cup, following the edge as closely as possible.

Two hands are shown manipulating a small white paper cup and a pair of black scissors on a light wood-grain table. One hand holds the cup on its side while the other hand uses the scissors to make a small cut in the rim of the cup. This image likely depicts a step in a DIY or craft project involving the paper cup.

Step 2

Take the balloon and tie a knot at its neck.

Two hands are shown tying a knot in the neck of a deflated, pale yellow balloon. The hands are positioned against a light wood-grain background. This image illustrates the process of preparing a balloon for inflation, likely for a craft or science activity.

Step 3

Using scissors, cut off the tail end of the balloon neatly.

Against a light wood-grain background, two hands are shown. One hand holds a deflated, pale yellow balloon near the knotted end. The other hand holds a pair of black scissors, positioned to cut off the end of the balloon. This image likely illustrates a step in preparing a balloon for a science experiment or craft activity.

Step 4

Stretch the cut end of the balloon over the bottom of the trimmed paper cup.

Two hands hold a small white paper cup on a light wood-grain surface. The knotted neck of a pale yellow balloon is stretched over the opening of the cup, with the deflated balloon body draped inside. This image appears to demonstrate a stage in a science experiment or craft activity, possibly involving sound or air pressure.

Step 5

Use tape to securely fasten the balloon to the cup.

Two hands hold a small white paper cup on its side against a light wood-grain background. A band of orange tape secures the knotted end of a pale yellow balloon to the cup. The balloon itself is deflated and tucked inside the cup. This image likely depicts a completed step in a DIY project or science experiment.

Step 6

Cut the three sheets of coloured paper into confetti, being careful not to hurt yourself.

Two hands are engaged in a paper-cutting activity on a light wood-grain table. One hand holds a stack of thin strips of pastel-colored paper – light blue, pink, and yellow – while the other hand uses black scissors to cut the strips. Several small pieces of cut paper lie scattered near the scissors, indicating ongoing progress in the activity. This image likely depicts a step in a craft project.

Step 7

Place the confetti into the paper cup.

Two hands interact with a small white paper cup containing small, colorful pieces of cut paper on a light wood-grain surface. The cup is partially wrapped with orange tape near the bottom. One hand holds the cup while the other picks up some of the colorful paper pieces, suggesting they are being added or arranged. The colors of the paper pieces are pastel pink, blue, and yellow. This image likely depicts a step in a craft activity.

Step 8

Now pull back the knotted end of the balloon, and release your very own party popper!

A hand holds a small white paper cup against a plain off-white background. A strip of bright orange tape encircles the cup. A light wood-grain surface is visible in the lower portion of the image. The focus is on the cup, suggesting it's being prepared for a craft or experiment.

The Science Behind It:

When you stretch the balloon, it creates tension, similar to drawing a bow. As the balloon is stretched, it stores elastic potential energy. When you release the balloon, this potential energy converts into kinetic energy, propelling the paper confetti outward. This process demonstrates how energy transforms from one form (potential energy) to another (kinetic energy).

Think about it: What other materials in everyday life, like balloons, can store and release elastic potential energy?

Who Are We?

We’re a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and educators dedicated to delivering hands-on fun. Our mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of young innovators.