How to make a Water Wheel out of Popsicles Sticks

* Popsicle sticks

* Glue

* Scissors

* Cardboard

* Paper cup

* Paint (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cut Popsicle Sticks:

* Cut 20 popsicle sticks into equal halves to create 40 pieces.

* Cut another 5 popsicle sticks into fourths to create 20 pieces.

2. Assemble Inner Wheel:

* Take two half-cut sticks and glue one perpendicularly across the other, forming a cross shape.

* Repeat this step to form four cross-shaped pieces. These are the spokes of your inner wheel.

* Glue two spokes at right angles to each other, forming a square.

* Glue two more spokes diagonally across the square to create the inner wheel.

3. Assemble Outer Wheel:

* Repeat the process in Step 2 to create two more squares, but replace one of the spokes with a quarter-cut stick to create a triangular open space.

* Glue the two squares back-to-back with the open spaces aligning, forming the outer wheel.

4. Connect Inner and Outer Wheels:

* Apply a thin layer of glue on one side of the outer wheel and carefully attach the inner wheel.

* Place a few popsicle sticks under the wheel to elevate it during drying.

5. Add Spokes:

* Glue quarter-cut sticks between the inner and outer wheels, connecting the spokes.

* Ensure they're evenly spaced and secure.

6. Create Axle and Handle:

* Cut two 5-inch-long pieces of cardboard and glue them together with a slight gap between them. This will be your axle.

* Cut a 2-inch piece of cardboard and glue it to the center of the axle, perpendicularly. This is the handle.

7. Attach Axle to Wheel:

* Apply glue on one end of the axle and carefully insert it through the center of the wheel, coming out the other side.

* Gently push the wheel inward so that it can rotate freely on the axle.

8. Add Paper Cup:

* Cut the bottom of the paper cup to create an opening.

* Glue the paper cup to the handle, positioning it so that it will catch water as the wheel rotates.

9. Paint and Decorate (Optional):

* If desired, paint the water wheel and paper cup to add some color.

* You can also add decorations using stickers or markers.

10. Test the Wheel:

* Place the water wheel under a stream of water from the faucet or use a pitcher to pour water over the wheel.

* Observe how the wheel rotates as the water flows into the cup.

Your popsicle stick water wheel is now ready to spin! Enjoy watching the water flow and power your wheel.