DIY: DIY Popsicle Stick Harmonica

DIYs » Stem Activities » Marvelous Mechanics Motion » Age 6 - 8 » DIY Popsicle Stick Harmonica

DIY Popsicle Stick Harmonica

Stem Activities

Ages: 6-8

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

Save PDF

Two hands hold a small, simple catapult constructed from two wooden craft sticks, a thin strip of green material (possibly paper or plastic), and two small yellow rubber bands. The rubber bands are wrapped around the ends of the craft sticks, securing the green strip between them. The catapult is held against a light wood-grain background.

Can you make a musical instrument from popsicle sticks? It might sound impossible, but it's actually quite simple! With just common household materials, you can create your own small harmonica and play music.

Materials Needed

Card paper
Pencil
Two popsicle sticks
Cotton swabs
Rubber bands
Scissors

Arranged on a light wood-grained surface are various craft supplies. From left to right: a rectangular piece of bright green paper or fabric, a blue pencil, two small wooden craft sticks, a cotton swab, a small yellow rubber band, and a pair of black scissors. These items appear to be gathered in preparation for a craft project.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Place a popsicle stick on the card paper and trace its outline with a pencil.

A small wooden craft stick rests on a rectangular piece of bright green paper or fabric. A hand holding a blue pencil is marking the green material next to the end of the craft stick, likely measuring or outlining for a craft project. The materials are arranged on a light wood-grain surface.

Step 2

Cut out the traced popsicle stick shape from the card paper.

Two hands are shown working with a piece of bright green paper or fabric on a light wood-grain surface. One hand holds the green material while the other uses black scissors to cut a rounded shape along one edge. This image likely depicts a step in a craft project.

Step 3

Place a cotton swab on the popsicle stick as shown, and mark the width of the popsicle stick on the cotton swab. Make two identical marks on the cotton swab.

Against a light wood-grain background, two hands are using a cotton swab and a blue pencil to mark a wooden craft stick. One hand holds the cotton swab across the craft stick, while the other hand uses the pencil to mark the stick along the edge of the swab. This suggests measuring or preparing the stick for some kind of craft or construction activity.

Step 4

Use scissors to cut the cotton swab at the marked points to create two small pieces. Ask an adult for help if needed.

Two hands are shown cutting a cotton swab with a pair of black scissors. One hand holds the cotton swab against a light wood-grain background, while the other hand uses the scissors to cut the swab's wooden stick.

Step 5

Place the card paper you cut in step 2 on top of a popsicle stick, aligning the edges carefully.

Two hands hold a thin wooden craft stick covered with a strip of bright green paper or tape. The stick is held horizontally against a light wood-grain background. The image likely depicts a stage in a craft project.

Step 6

Flip the popsicle stick and card paper over, then place the second popsicle stick underneath. Put one of the cut cotton swab pieces between the card paper and popsicle stick on one side, securing it with a rubber band. Repeat this process on the other side.

Two hands are manipulating small wooden craft sticks and a yellow rubber band against a light wood-grain background. A small, cylindrical object is held between the sticks, and the rubber band is wrapped around them, seemingly securing the object in place. This image likely depicts a step in constructing a small craft or toy.

Step 7

Once both sides are secured, your harmonica is ready! Try playing it to make some music.

Two hands hold a small, simple construction made of wooden craft sticks, small wooden dowels, and yellow rubber bands. A thin green wire or string is stretched between the dowels, which are attached to the craft sticks. The rubber bands appear to be holding the structure together. The background is a light wood-grain surface. This close-up image likely shows a step in a craft project, possibly building a miniature catapult or similar device.

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.