Making Toys with Wire

1Why wire?

Every material has properties: the things that describe it, such as strong, flexible or waterproof. We choose a material because its properties suit the job.

Wire is made of metal. Metal can be pulled out into long thin threads, and that is how wire is made. Wire has three useful properties for toys:

• Flexible: you can bend it into any shape.
• Keeps its shape: once bent, it stays bent, so your car keeps its form.
• Strong: a wire frame does not snap when it bumps into a stone.

2What you need

• Old wire: from a broken fence, an old bicycle or a coat hanger. Thick wire for the frame, thin wire for tying joints.
• Pliers, to cut and bend the wire.
• Wheels: bottle tops, round pieces cut from old flip-flops, or tins.
• A long straight wire or stick for the handle.

3How to make a wire car

1. Plan: draw your car on paper first. Mark the length and width.
2. Measure and cut the thick wire with the pliers.
3. Bend the frame: make the bottom, then the sides and the roof.
4. Join the parts by wrapping thin wire tightly round each joint.
5. Add the axles and wheels. An axle is the straight wire that goes through the middle of two wheels, so they can turn.
6. Add the handle, then test your car on the ground and fix anything that wobbles.

4Stay safe

• Cut wire ends are sharp. Bend each end inwards or cover it with tape.
• Never take wire from anything connected to electricity.
• Point the wire away from your eyes and your friends while you bend it.
• Put the pliers away when you finish.

Try it yourself

Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.