I was searching for small motors for a STEM project when it occurred to me that I could use a Hexbug instead, which has the big advantage of no wires whilst still vibrating brilliantly.
I've got lots of ideas for fun things we can make, but first up are these spinning pens.
We also tried a giant version and made a huge piece of Hexbug Powered Pen art!
Hexbug Powered Pens
You'll need
Felt tips
Blue Tack
Elastic band
White paper
How to make Hexbug-powered spinning pens
- Use the elastic band to tie the top of the pens together.
- Separate the pens out and attach together with the blu tack.
- Attach a hexbug to the side using a bit more blu tack.
- Turn the hexbug on and watch the drawing.
Extension Ideas
What happens if you place the pens further apart and then closer to each other?
Can you use two hexbugs?
What happens if you use longer/shorter or heavier/lighter pens?
Try placing the Hexbugs at the top and bottom of the pens and investigate what changes.
Can you go large?
Affiliate links
Last Updated on February 10, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
Penny says
He he, I love this and I know someone else who will too!
Becky says
we have a million hexbugs and THAT IS COOL!!!!!!
Emma says
You have the best imagination for these projects, this would never have occurred to me, but how fantastic! My 8 year old will NEED to do this, I know! 😀
Lulastic says
I LOVE the idea of a little thing making something simple more exciting! Soo great!
carol slater says
hi love your idea do you think it would work with wind up toys thank you
Antonia says
What should I use if I don;t have hexbugs? Great ideea and I would love to try it.
Pinkoddy says
oh that is so clever