Corkbott Paratrooper

Overview:

Jump into action with your Corkbot Parachute! This little cork paratrooper uses his parachute to float down to safety from way up high! How far can your corkbott go?

You will need:

Plastic garbage bag
Yarn or string, about 2-3 feet
Cork
Pipe cleaner
Scissors
Permanent marker

Rating:

Supervision:

1 adult per 5 children

Difficulty:

Easy peasy (fun and simple)

Age:

School-age, Tweens, Teens

Mess Factor:

Dustpan, please

Prep Time:

5 minutes or less

Time Length:

5 - 15 minutes

Step 1:

First, take your pipe cleaner and gently bend it in half. Place your cork in the center bend.

Step 2:

Wrap the pipe cleaner around the cork, and twist tightly to secure it. These form your corkbot's arms.

Step 3:

In order to help your corkbot hang on, bend the tips of the pipecleaner arms into gripping hands! Bend the tips into circular loops and twist to close.

Step 4:

Using your permanent marker, draw a face on your corkbot. (Permanent doesn't smear like other markers when used on cork.) Ours is a little afraid of heights, as you can see!

Step 5:

Cut two lengths of yarn or string, each about 1 - 1.5 feet long.

Step 6:

Take your plastic grocery bag and tie one string to each handle. Be sure to double knot it to make sure it's secure!

Step 7:

Take the free end of each string and tie them to the hands of your corkbot.

Step 8:

String the yarn through the corkbot's looped hands and tie.

Step 9:

To see your corkbot in action, hold him high up in the air, and let him go! The bag will help him float down gently. Try dropping him off of a stepstool, ladder, balcony, stairs -- just be careful when climbing up high!

Video:

Materials:

Plastic garbage bag
Yarn or string, about 2-3 feet
Cork
Pipe cleaner
Scissors
Permanent marker

Corkbott Paratrooper

Sophie's Tip of the Week

A hungry kid is a miserable kid. During large events, like weddings and bar mitzvahs, feed the kids early and often. Keep a steady stock of juices and snacks handy.