Task: To create a Halloween inspired Jitterbug
The Jitterbug kit provides a great opportunity for children to explore simple circuits, motors and the power of forces. The off-center mass, when spun at high speed, creates vibration which causes movement in the bug. The movement can be controlled by adjusting the rubber legs underneath. The bug kit can then be decorated however you wish.
1First of all, we emptied out our Jitterbug kit to check that we had everything we needed.
2We then printed out our template, coloured it in and carefully cut it out.
3To make the legs more ‘leg-like’ we folded them lengthways. We then added a crease about 1/3 of the way along the legs, to add a joint (knee?)
4After this, we lined up the plastic body with our card version and marked where the holes needed to be. We then pierced these so that the bolts went through. Next, we glued the legs onto the back of the body, adding sellotape to keep them secure.
5We then connected the spider’s body to the plastic chassis. We added the nuts onto the bolts and tightened them.
6Next, we added the plastic tubing for the legs, carefully screwing them on until they were tight.
7 We then continued the Jitterbug as-per the instructions. We used a piece of spare paper to help keep the motor in place it its mount. We then attached the battery leads to the motor tabs.
8Finally, we stuck down the battery box, making sure that we could see the switch!
9And there you have it, a Jitterbug spider fit for Halloween!
