Strawbot

TIME TO COMPLETE

Less than 30 min.

WHAT WILL YOU MAKE?

You will learn to design and construct a device that creates a vibrating motion with a motor to draw on paper.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

Other Materials
Upcycled / Recycled materials

STEP 1

Prep your items

Gather your items together. Cut 2 of your straws in half.

STEP 2

Build your legs

Add the three full size straws to the ends of a 3-point Strawbies connector.

STEP 3

Add Strawbies

Add two 1-point Strawbies to each of the three legs.

STEP 4

Connect the legs

Connect each of the 3 legs together by connecting the single point Strawbies with one of the half straws you cut earlier. (You will be left with a half straw that you won't need.)

STEP 5

Add the marker

Attach a marker to your last straw with a rubber band, then place the straw through the center hole of the Strawbies structure.

STEP 6

Add a band

Add a rubber band above the Strawbies structure to the straw holding the marker. This can be used to adjust the height of the marker so it comes in contact with the paper below.

STEP 7

Add a battery

Tape the leads of your pager motor to each side of a CR2032 battery. Since the motor will vibrate no matter how the power is connected, we don't need to worry about the polarity of the battery.

STEP 8

Add the motor

Remove the sticky from the back of the pager motor and attach the motor to one of the single connector Strawbies. Now you can place a piece of paper under the bot and remove the cap from the marker to see it jitter and draw.

WHAT'S NEXT?

What happens if you move the motor to other parts of the bot?¬†How about adding more than one motor?¬†Try attaching multiple pens to the legs of the structure instead of a center pen.

And hey! Find more projects in¬†these downloadable¬†Strawbees posters!

Please Note

Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Maker Media, Inc., disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.