DIY: Tissue Paper Caterpillar | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Tissue Paper Caterpillar

Stem Activities

Ages: 3-5

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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What makes a tissue paper caterpillar wiggle and suddenly grow? Let's explore the magical phenomenon of capillary action.

Materials Needed

Water
Dropper
Absorbent tissue paper
Marker pens
PVA glue
Wooden stick
Plate

Arranged on a light wood-grain table are several items for a project or experiment. A white rectangular tray holds a small clear glass pitcher with a wooden handle containing clear liquid, a folded piece of white paper or cloth, two markers with orange and light blue caps, and a clear pipette or dropper. Next to the tray, a white bottle with a blue cap (likely glue) and a long thin wooden stick are placed, suggesting they will be used in conjunction with the items on the tray.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Lay the tissue paper flat on the table as shown, and draw horizontal lines on it using your favourite coloured markers.

On a light wood-grain surface, a hand draws horizontal blue lines with a marker on a piece of white paper or cloth. The paper already has alternating orange and light blue horizontal lines drawn on it, folded slightly horizontally near the center. Another hand is positioned on the left side of the paper, appearing to hold it in place. The scene suggests an art activity or experiment involving color and lines.

Step 2

Place the tissue paper horizontally and apply PVA glue along the top edge as shown. Then use the wooden stick to roll up the tissue paper and secure it.

On a light wooden surface, a hand applies white glue from a bottle to a piece of white paper or cloth. The paper is marked with alternating horizontal orange and blue lines, and another hand's finger is visible on the left edge, likely holding the paper steady. This suggests a craft or art project where glue is being used on a pre-colored surface.

Step 3

Stand the wooden stick with the tissue paper upright, and press the tissue paper down towards the table to create wrinkles. Then remove the tissue roll - this will be the caterpillar's body.

Two hands carefully roll a piece of white material with orange and blue stripes around a thin wooden dowel. The material appears to be paper or cloth, possibly glued, as it adheres to the dowel and itself as it is rolled. This suggests the creation of a small craft or decorative item.

Step 4

Use markers to draw eyes on one end of the caterpillar.

A hand holds a black marker and draws two small vertical black lines onto a white cylindrical object wrapped with orange and blue stripes. The object, possibly made of paper or cloth rolled around a dowel, is held by another hand, partially visible at the bottom of the frame. This image likely depicts a craft project, where details are being added to a handmade item.

Step 5

Place the caterpillar on the plate. Use the dropper to collect water, then start dropping water from the caterpillar's tail. Now watch your caterpillar come to life!

Three worm-like creations, made from what appears to be rolled and segmented paper towels or similar material, lie on a white surface. Each worm is decorated with colorful stripes: one with red, green, and orange, another with orange and blue, and the third with pink, orange, and purple. A clear pipette drips liquid onto the segments of the worms. As the liquid is applied, the paper expands and unrolls, causing the worms to lengthen and move. This video likely demonstrates a simple science experiment illustrating capillary action and absorption.

The Science Behind It:

Tissue paper contains many tiny plant fibres and is highly absorbent. When water is dropped onto the compressed tissue paper, it quickly absorbs the water through capillary action. The wet fibres expand and try to return to their original shape, making it look like the caterpillar is growing.

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