Rubber Band Paper Leap Bot

Activity Description: Build and test a leaping cup to explore how rubber bands work as machine elements.

Items Needed:

2 Paper Cups
Scissors
Rubber band
Tape
(Optional) Decorations

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 20 – 25 min):

Explain the activity. (5 min)
- A Leap Bot is a small jumping machine. A stretched rubber band acts like a tension spring because it stores energy when pulled and releases it to make the machine jump. We’ll use rubber bands and paper cups to make a Leap Bot.
Make the cup able to leap. (5 min)
- Cut a dual slit on either side of the bottom of the cup.
- Hook a single rubber band into both slits so it stretches tightly across the cup opening. Secure the rubber band with tape.
(Optional) Decorate. (5 min)
- Make a face for the leap bot on the outside of the cup.
Test it. (5–10 min)
- Push the leap bot over a second cup. Let it go fast and watch the cup leap high into the air.
- (Optional) Test out different combinations of rubber bands. Would placing a second rubber band perpendicular to the first let the bot leap higher?

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

Video Instructions: Vertical Jumping Machine by Technovation

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

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Published on June 10, 2026. Author:

Tia Kennard

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