I was searching Amazon for small motors when it occured to me that I could use a Hexbug instead, which has the big advantage of no wires, but still vibrates 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
Materials
Hexbug
Felt tips
Blue Tack
Elastic band
White paper – we love these rolls of paper from Melissa and Doug
Buy here:
Method
- Use the elastic band to tie the top of the pens together.
- Separate them 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 when you make the pens further apart and closer to each other?
Can you use two hexbugs?
What happens if you use longer/shorter or heaver/lighter pens?
Try placing the Hexbugs at the top and bottom of the pens an investigate what changes.
Try our design sheet sheet to extend learning further and reflect on the design choice used.
Can you go large?
Buy Hexbugs here:
UK
US
Affiliate links
Penny
October 6, 2015 at 12:39 pmHe he, I love this and I know someone else who will too!
Becky
October 6, 2015 at 2:05 pmwe have a million hexbugs and THAT IS COOL!!!!!!
Emma
October 6, 2015 at 7:08 pmYou 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
October 6, 2015 at 8:40 pmI LOVE the idea of a little thing making something simple more exciting! Soo great!
carol slater
October 9, 2015 at 11:51 pmhi love your idea do you think it would work with wind up toys thank you
Antonia
January 13, 2016 at 2:07 pmWhat should I use if I don;t have hexbugs? Great ideea and I would love to try it.
Pinkoddy
March 7, 2016 at 11:19 amoh that is so clever