Cardboard Automaton – build IT @SDSU Library

Get a cardboard box and use scissors to cut off the bottom and a side
Using one of the pieces you cut off, cut a small strip of cardboard
Using another piece you cut off, cut two circles with the same diameter
Grab the straw and cut off a piece that is 2cm long
On the top of the box, puncture a hole large enough to fit the straw
On the sides of the boxes, puncture two holes that are across from one another
At the center of the circle, puncture a hole in each
Stick a skewer through a circle and glue them together
Repeat step 7 for the other skewer and circle
Stick one of the skewers through the top hole of the box and cut the remaining end of the skewer. You should have a decent length of the skewer sticking out of the top of the box
Stick the other skewer through the sides of the box and cut off any excess wood. You should have a decent length to spin the skewer
Make sure that the top hole’s circle is sitting on top of the other circle
Take the piece of straw and put it through the top of the box. The straw should be stuck inside the hole of the box with the skewer inside the straw
Grab the cardboard strip and fold the edges of the cardboard away from one another
Glue the cat onto one end and the mouse onto the other end
stick the top skewer through the middle of the cardboard strip
Spin the skewer on the side to see the cat chasing the rat!

Cat Chasing Mouse Automaton