Bat Mobile Halloween Kids' Craft

It’s a bat mobile! No, not the kind that Batman cruises around in. It’s a mobile – with bats. This easy-to-make Halloween craft for kids is super-simple and even teaches a lesson or two about science.

 

How? When the mobile’s complete, use it to discuss physics (yep, physics!) with your child. I’m not talking about the type of science content that was in your senior year physics class. Instead, help your child to explore basic concepts such as gravity and motion.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Black card stock paper

·        A light-colored crayon

·        Scissors

·        A hole punch

·        Yarn

·        Two straws

Here’s What to Do:

1.     Fold the card stock in half, book style.

2.     Draw the bat. Have your child start at the center and draw half of a bat.

 

3.     Cut the bat out – keeping the paper folded.

4.     Unfold the paper. Like magic, your child has a symmetrical bat.

 

5.     Punch a hole at the top of each bat.

 

6.     Cut pieces of yarn in different lengths.

7.     Tie one piece of yarn through the hole in each bat.

 

8.     Cross two plastic straws, making a plus sign. Weave a piece of yarn around the center (where the two straws cross) and tie the ends.

 

9.     Add another piece of yarn to the center of the straw plus sign. Leave the other end free to tie up the mobile.

10.   Attach the bats to the ends of the straws.

 

11.    Tie the loose end of the center string to a tree limb outside or a post indoors.

 

Physics Lessons for Kids

 

After your child makes the bat mobile, take it outside and tie it to a tree or post. Let the wind work its magic or give the mobile a push. Ask your child, “What happened when the wind or your hand moves the mobile?” or “Does it just swing one way? Why do you think it swings back too?”

Play with weight and move the bats around. Untie a few of the paper flying creatures and move them all to one side. Investigate what happens when the balance changes on the mobile.

Are you looking for more fall art projects? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Fall Activities for Kids on Pinterest.