Do You Have a Mind-blowing Quirk?
Design and build a small quirky invention using household materials, test it, and record a short demonstration explaining why the trick feels mind-blowing.
Step-by-step guide to design and build a small quirky invention
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Step 1
Think of one quirky trick or small invention that would feel mind-blowing and choose the best idea.
Step 2
Gather the materials from the list that you will need for your chosen idea.
Step 3
Draw a quick sketch showing the parts and how the surprise will happen.
Step 4
Cut the cardboard and recycled parts into the shapes you drew on the sketch.
Step 5
Use tape or glue to attach the pieces into the basic shape of your invention.
Step 6
Attach a rubber band between two points so it can store energy to make the surprise move.
Step 7
Add extra parts like a balloon string or a bottle cap trigger so the surprise is stronger or more surprising.
Step 8
Decorate your invention with colouring materials to make it look awesome.
Step 9
Test your invention gently one time to see the surprise happen.
Step 10
Fix the one thing that didn’t work during the test and make that single change.
Step 11
Practice a short demonstration that shows the trick and explains why it feels mind-blowing.
Step 12
Share your finished invention and your short demonstration on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a rubber band or a bottle cap trigger from the materials list?
If you don't have a rubber band use an elastic hair tie or a strip cut from an old bike inner tube, and if you don't have a bottle cap trigger use a clothespin, a folded cardboard tab, or a paper clip release to perform step 6 and step 7.
My invention didn't move during the test — what's the quickest fix?
Check that the rubber band is anchored tightly between two points (step 6), make sure glued or taped joints from step 5 are secure, then change only the loose anchor or joint as directed in step 10 before retesting step 9.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, pre-cut the cardboard shapes (step 4), use tape instead of hot glue and simple decorations from step 8, while older kids can cut complex shapes themselves, add a balloon string or bottle cap trigger (step 7), and refine the mechanism for a stronger reveal.
How can we make the trick more surprising or personalize it?
To enhance and personalize the surprise, attach a small decorated balloon or a confetti-loaded folded cardboard box triggered by your bottle cap or clothespin release from step 7, then decorate it in step 8 and practice the dramatic reveal in step 11.
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Facts about invention and tinkering for kids
♻️ Upcycling household items—cardboard, rubber bands, bottle caps—can turn trash into clever machine parts and cut waste.
🎥 Recording short test demos helps inventors spot mistakes faster, share ideas, and improve their quirky creations.
🤯 Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist whose comically complicated machines made his name a household term for over-the-top inventions.
🛠️ The modern maker movement took off as affordable tools like Arduino and Raspberry Pi let hobbyists build working prototypes at home.
🧠 Thomas Edison is credited with 1,093 U.S. patents, showing inventors often succeed by trying lots of ideas.
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