DIY: Paper Cup Racers | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Paper Cup Racers

Stem Activities

Ages: 3-5

Greater than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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Make paper cups race using everyday items like rubber bands! You can even host your own paper cup sprint competition at home. This simple and fun experiment helps children understand scientific concepts like energy transformation.

Materials Needed

Two paper cups
Markers
Tape
Battery
Rubber band
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler

An assortment of craft supplies lies on a light wood-grain table, arranged for a project. The items include a white paper cup, three white markers, a pencil, a roll of purple tape, two AA batteries, a rubber band, a pair of scissors, and a clear plastic ruler. This flat lay image showcases the materials needed for a simple DIY activity, likely a science experiment or children's craft.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Take two paper cups and place them upside down, then draw your favourite animals on them using markers.

Two hands are decorating paper cups on a light wood-grain surface. One cup, lying on its side, already has a drawing of a bunny and carrots. The other cup, held upright by one hand, features a drawing of a chick and stars. The other hand is using an orange marker to add details to the chick's cheek. This close-up image captures the creative process of decorating paper cups, likely for a children's craft activity.

Step 2

Place your finger on top of the cup's rim to divide it into two equal parts. Using the pencil, make four marks on the rim at the ends of your finger, ensuring the marks are parallel to your drawn animals.

Two hands are shown working with a white paper cup on a light wood-grain surface. One hand holds the cup steady while the other hand uses a pencil to make small marks on the rim. The index finger of the hand holding the cup is placed on the rim, seemingly measuring or marking a specific distance. This close-up image suggests a DIY or craft activity involving precise marking on a paper cup.

Step 3

Using scissors, cut 0.5cm slits from each of the four marked points down the cup.

Two hands are shown manipulating a decorated paper cup on a light wood-grain table. One hand holds the cup, which features a drawing of a chick and stars. The other hand uses scissors to cut into the top edge of the cup. This image illustrates a step in a craft project, likely involving modifying the paper cup for a specific purpose.

Step 4

Take the battery and rubber band, and wrap the rubber band around the battery as shown. Adjust it so the rubber band sits in the middle of the battery.

Two hands are manipulating a AA battery and a rubber band against a light wood-grain background. One hand holds the battery while the other hand pulls a rubber band that is looped around one end of the battery. This close-up image suggests the process of attaching the rubber band to the battery for a science experiment or a small DIY project.

Step 5

Use tape to secure the rubber band where it touches the middle of the battery, being careful not to tape the ends of the rubber band.

Two hands are working with a AA battery, a rubber band, and purple tape on a light wood-grain surface. A rubber band is looped around one end of the battery, and purple tape is being wrapped around the battery. One hand holds the battery and the beginning of the tape, while the other hand secures the tape in place. This close-up image suggests a step in a DIY project or science experiment involving assembling a small device or mechanism.

Step 6

Attach the loose ends of the rubber band to the slits you cut in the paper cup.

Two hands hold a white paper cup on a light wood-grain surface. A battery wrapped in purple tape is secured to the sides of the cup with rubber bands, creating a handle-like structure across the opening. The cup appears to be part of a DIY project or craft, possibly a homemade toy or device.

Step 7

Secure the rubber band to the cup using tape.

Two hands are holding a decorated paper cup on a light wood-grain surface. The cup has a drawing of a chick and stars. A battery, wrapped in purple tape, is attached to the cup with rubber bands, forming a handle. One hand holds the cup while the other adjusts the purple tape. This image likely depicts a stage in a children's craft project.

Step 8

Rotate the battery anticlockwise 15 times towards the side with the animal drawing - this step is crucial!

Two hands are manipulating a decorated paper cup with a handle on a light wood-grain surface. The cup features a drawing of a chick and stars. The handle is made from a battery wrapped in purple tape and attached to the cup with rubber bands. The hands are holding the cup at an angle, showcasing the handle. This image likely illustrates a step in creating a simple craft or toy.

Step 9

Quickly place the wound-up cup on the table and watch it race! Challenge family members or friends to see whose cup runs faster!

Two decorated paper cups sit on a light wood-grain table against a plain off-white background. The cup on the left features a drawing of a cute bunny rabbit with carrots, while the cup on the right has a drawing of a surprised-looking chick and stars. These cups appear to be part of a children's craft project.

The Science Behind It:

When you wind up the rubber band, it stretches and stores energy in the form of elastic potential energy. When released, the rubber band returns to its original state, converting the stored energy into kinetic energy that propels the cup forward, creating the running motion you see.

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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.