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How to Build a Simple Musical Instrument

A rain stick is a fun and simple musical instrument that is moderately easy for kids to make. This instrument can be shaken back and forth to create simple rhythms or turned end over end to mimic the sound of falling rain. You can use several household items to make this simple musical instrument.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard wrapping paper tube
  • Small disposable drinking cups
  • Bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • 2 cups dry uncooked rice
  • 1 cup dry uncooked kidney beans
  • 3 aluminum foil sheets, 8 1/2 by 11 inches
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon
  • Glitter
  • Glue stick
  • Markers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tape one small disposable drinking cup over one end of the cardboard tube. Make sure there are no gaps in the tape, then set it aside.

    • 2

      Measure 2 cups of rice and 1 cup of kidney beans into a bowl and mix them together.

    • 3

      Tear the aluminum sheets into pieces no bigger than a quarter. Add them to the mixing bowl.

    • 4

      Stand the cardboard tube on a flat surface and pour in the rice, beans and aluminum pieces.

    • 5

      Place the second disposable drinking cup over the open end of the cardboard tube, and tape it around the cup to seal it. Use the glue stick, ribbon, glitter and markers to decorate the outside of the rain stick.

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