Spin 'n' Scoop Your Hoop
Make a spinning scoop hoop using a hula hoop, cups, string, and tape. Test scooping small balls while exploring motion and coordination.
Step-by-step guide to Spin 'n' Scoop Your Hoop
Step 1
Gather all your materials and bring them to a clear spot on the floor.
Step 2
Lay the hula hoop flat and stick small pieces of tape at four evenly spaced spots around the hoop.
Step 3
Use scissors to cut two small holes opposite each other near the rim of each cup.
Step 4
Cut the string into equal lengths so there is one length for each cup.
Step 5
Thread one string through the two holes of a cup and tie a secure knot so the cup can hang from the string.
Step 6
Tape the free end of each string to a tape mark on the hoop so each cup hangs inside the hoop.
Step 7
Adjust the knots or string lengths so all cups hang at the same height from the hoop.
Step 8
Place 5 to 10 small balls on the floor inside the area under the hoop.
Step 9
Stand over the hoop and grip it with both hands.
Step 10
Swing the hoop in a steady circular motion so the cups spin around the hoop.
Step 11
Watch which cups scoop balls and try spinning faster or slower to see what works best.
Step 12
Make a scooping challenge by stepping back or spreading the balls farther apart and try again.
Step 13
Share your finished spinning scoop hoop creation 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 instead of a hula hoop, string, tape, or small balls if I don't have those materials?
Use a large embroidery hoop or the rim of a lightweight laundry basket instead of a hula hoop, yarn or a shoelace for string, masking or duct tape for tape, and pom-poms or rolled-up socks instead of the small balls.
My cups keep swinging unevenly or falling off—how can I fix that?
Retie each cup with a double knot, adjust and match string lengths at the tape marks so all cups hang the same height, and add a small piece of tape over each knot and the cup rim to prevent slipping or tearing.
How can I make this activity easier for toddlers or more challenging for older kids?
For toddlers, have an adult pre-cut the holes, use shorter strings and larger soft balls and hold the hoop for them, while for older kids increase difficulty by stepping back, spreading the balls farther apart, timing runs, or assigning point values to different cups.
How can we personalize or extend the Spin 'n' Scoop Your Hoop activity once it's working?
Decorate the hula hoop and cups with stickers or paint, use different-sized or colored cups to create point values, add a scorecard for timed challenges or team relays, and experiment with different ball materials before sharing your project on DIY.org.
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Facts about motion and coordination
🧪 Changing scoop length, cup size, or ball weight changes how the hoop handles — easy science experiments you can try!
🪀 Hula-hooping is fun exercise — it helps practice balance, rhythm, and coordination while you play.
🎯 Scoop-and-catch games like Spin 'n' Scoop help boost hand–eye coordination and timing — great for sports and play.
🌀 Spin a hoop and you'll feel centripetal force — it's what keeps scoops and cups following a curved path.
🔄 The plastic hula hoop craze exploded in 1958 after the toy company Wham-O popularized it worldwide.
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