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



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


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
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.


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