Maker Monday: Kids can make Ping-Pong Ball Poppers

This Maker Monday project is a lot of fun to do. And when kids are done, they’ll have new toys to play with.

You can create lots of group games with your ping-pong ball poppers. Line up friends or siblings and see whose ball can shoot the farthest or highest. Or take target practice across the yard and record your results.

Making ping-pong ball poppers would also be a great activity at a birthday party or family picnic. Don’t be surprised if grownups want to play, too.

The Kidsburgh team found this activity at the Remake Learning Days session at Avonworth Primary Center. You should be able to find all of the materials at a dollar store, if you don’t already have them at home.

A note to kid makers: Please work with a parent or caregiver on this Maker Monday project and always be very careful when using tools of any kind.

Maker Monday materials you’ll need:

• one plastic disposable cup for each ping-pong popper you want to make
• one balloon for each ping-pong popper
• duct tape
• scissors
• one ping-pong ball for each ping-pong popper

Step 1: Cut off the bottom of your plastic cup. Then cut duct tape into short strips. Place the tape along the cut bottom of the cup to safely cover any sharp edges.

Step 2: Tie off the end of a deflated balloon and cut off the top of the balloon.

Step 3: Place the cup right-side up and stretch the balloon securely over the top of the cup.

Step 4: You’re almost ready to play! Place one ping-pong ball inside the cup and hold the cup with the balloon at the bottom.

Step 5: Now it’s time to play. Aim the open end of the cup in the direction you want the ball to fly, hold the cup firmly in one hand and stretch the end of the balloon with your other hand. When you’re ready, let go of the balloon and watch your ping-pong ball fly!

Tip: You can customize this project by using different colors of duct tape or decorating your popper with stickers or paint. You can also use markers or paint to customize your ping-pong balls.

Want more at-home fun creating cool stuff and making beautiful things? Check out more Maker Monday projects right here.

Do you have an idea for a Maker Monday craft project? If so, please share it with Kidsburgh! Send your maker activities to info@kidsburgh.org.