Make A Gacha Energy Saving Superhero!
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Build a gacha-style paper capsule machine and create customizable Energy Saving Superhero cards with costumes and simple home energy-saving tips to share.

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Step-by-step guide to make a gacha energy-saving superhero

What you need
Adult supervision required, empty toilet paper roll, glue stick, markers or coloring materials, paper or cardstock, pencil or wooden skewer, ruler, scissors, shoebox or cereal box, stickers or decorative items optional, tape

Step 1

Choose a box and an empty toilet paper roll and put them on your workspace.

Step 2

Cut a 2-inch slot in the front of the box about 2 inches from the bottom for capsules to come out.

Step 3

Cut two small holes on opposite sides of the box at the same height so an axle can pass through.

Step 4

Push the pencil or skewer through one side hole then through the toilet paper roll and then through the other side hole to make a spinning chamber.

Step 5

Tape the roll lightly to the pencil so the roll stays centered but can still spin.

Step 6

Cut 2 by 3 inch rectangles from paper or cardstock to make your superhero cards.

Step 7

Fold each rectangle in half to make a little card.

Step 8

Draw a fun costume for your Energy Saving Superhero on the front of each card.

Step 9

Write a short simple home energy-saving tip and a superhero name on the back of each card.

Step 10

Cut 3 by 3 inch squares of paper to make the gacha capsules.

Step 11

Roll each square into a small tube around your finger and tape the seam closed to make a capsule.

Step 12

Slide one folded superhero card into each paper capsule and seal the open end with a small piece of tape.

Step 13

Put all the finished capsules into the toilet paper roll chamber inside the box.

Step 14

Spin the pencil to test your gacha machine until a capsule drops out through the front slot.

Step 15

Share your finished Gacha Energy Saving Superhero and its cards on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a toilet paper roll, pencil, or a small box?

If you don't have a toilet paper roll, use a trimmed paper-towel tube or small cardboard tube for the chamber, substitute a chopstick or wooden dowel for the pencil/skewer, and use a shoebox or cereal box in place of the small box and then follow steps 1–5 to assemble the axle and chamber.

Why won't a capsule drop out when I spin the pencil, and how do I fix it?

If a capsule sticks and won't fall through the 2-inch slot (step 2) when you spin the roll (steps 4–5), loosen the tape holding the roll (step 5) so it spins freely, make the paper capsules in step 10 slightly narrower, and carefully widen the slot in step 2 if needed.

How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, parents can pre-cut the slot and side holes and pre-roll or preload capsules (steps 2–5 and 9–11) while letting the child draw costumes (steps 6–7), and for older kids have them reinforce the axle with a dowel (step 4), design more detailed energy-saving tips on the backs (step 8), or create scoring rules for drops.

How can we enhance or personalize our Gacha Energy Saving Superhero machine?

Enhance the project by decorating the box with stickers or craft foam (step 1), adding glitter or colored paper to the 2×3 cards (steps 6–7), numbering cards to create rare 'legendary' tips (step 8), or mounting a small LED behind the front slot for a dramatic reveal when a capsule drops (step 2).

Watch videos on how to make a gacha energy-saving superhero

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HOW TO MAKE A GACHA VIDEO! | GACHA LIFE BEGINNER TUTORIAL (2025)

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Facts about energy conservation for kids

♻️ You can build a fun paper gacha machine from recycled cardboard and old magazines, giving materials a second life.

🎴 Collectible systems like gacha and trading cards use rarity tiers (common, rare, super-rare) to make pulls exciting.

🎰 Gashapon machines are Japanese capsule toy vending machines that give a surprise toy in a plastic capsule.

💡 Swapping one incandescent bulb for an LED can cut that light's energy use by about 75%.

🦸‍♂️ Superman is often called the first modern superhero — he debuted in Action Comics in 1938.

How do I build a gacha energy-saving superhero machine with my child?

Start by making a capsule holder from a cardboard tube or small box and cut a dispensing slot. Create paper capsules from folded cardstock, small paper cups, or recycled egg carton sections. Add a simple crank or rotate-and-drop chamber using a brad or taped spinner. Design superhero cards with costumes and one easy home energy-saving tip each. Let kids decorate, load capsules, and test the drop mechanism. Supervise cutting and any sharp tools.

What materials do I need to make a paper gacha machine and superhero cards?

You’ll need cardboard tubes or a small box, cardstock or recycled paper for capsules, scissors, glue or tape, markers and stickers, a brad or split pin for a spinner, a ruler, and a coin-slot or flap for dispensing. Optional items: clear plastic dome, small stickers for prizes, printable templates, and recycled containers. Use child-safe scissors and supervise hot glue or cutters when assembling mechanisms.

What ages is this gacha superhero activity suitable for?

This activity suits kids roughly ages 4–12. Ages 4–6 enjoy decorating and choosing tips with close adult help for cutting and mechanics. Ages 7–9 can build the dispenser with guidance and design more detailed cards. Ages 10–12 can create complex capsules, design costume variations, and write clear energy-saving tips. Always supervise younger children when using scissors, brads, or glue.

What are the benefits of making a gacha energy-saving superhero together?

This craft teaches practical eco-habits, encouraging kids to learn simple home energy-saving tips while being creative. It builds fine motor skills, planning, and problem-solving as they design a working dispenser. Sharing superhero cards promotes communication and confidence. Using recycled materials reinforces reuse values, and the game format makes learning habits fun, increasing the chance children remember and practice energy-saving actions at home.
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Make A Gacha Energy Saving Superhero. Activities for Kids.