The eerie season is approaching! And if, like us, you enjoy taking part in plenty of exciting spooky activities before Trick or Treating (have a look at our Halloween Countdown calendars..), why not give this Halloween-themed STEAM project a try: Create some STEAM Halloween Paper Spinners. The best part about Paper Spinners is that you can make them with either string or coins – transforming them into penny spinners if you prefer. Both methods work wonderfully and are just as enjoyable!
As you may know, we are big admirers of Paper Spinner Toys – they are enjoyable to create and entertaining to use. We have previously made them as a “generic” penny spinner, Emoji Spinners, and St Patrick’s Day Spinners. Now, they have a Halloween Edition. These projects bring together paper crafting and Halloween Coloring Pages with a straightforward science STEAM activity – exploring optics and color theory, along with perhaps a little friction (pennies) or tension (string).
Of course, this is intended to be a straightforward and enjoyable activity!
Materials required for making Halloween Spinner Toys:
- Paper & printables
- Card
- String or pennies for creating a penny spinner
- Pens
- Scissors
- Glue stick
The COMPLETE Set of 9 Halloween Paper Spinners can be found in my Teacher’s Pay Teacher’s store for less than the cost of a coffee! These are mainly “coloring page” designs (although several full-color versions are included if you are short on time). You can also download one full colour swirl or the basic free template for free on Gumroad. Enter $0 at checkout or leave a small tip if you would like. This is another excellent way to make this craft while encouraging your children or students to create their own Halloween Penny Spinners! If you would like even more, there is also a Mega Bundle containing all designs available so far.
How To Make DIY Paper Spinners:
You can either watch this quick video or follow the written directions below!
Paper spinner instructions: step by step
- Print two circles from the templates above OR take a small paper plate (approximately 10-12cm in diameter) and trace two circles.
- Decorate your circles however you like. The colours will “blend” across any concentric circles. (Watch the video to see the effect). Be adventurous and try various patterns and designs.
- Cut out the circles.
- Attach the first circle to a piece of cardboard (cardboard from a cereal box works best, in my opinion).
- Now cut out the cardboard circle.
- Place the second circle on the reverse side and stick it down.
- Create two small holes (approximately 1cm apart, or 8mm) on opposite sides of the circle’s centre – the templates include guides for this.
- Push a piece of string approximately 40cm long through the holes and tie it.
Halloween Penny Spinners
ALTERNATIVES: you can create a one-sided penny spinner. Simply decorate one complete circle and attach it to your cardboard. Next, make a small slit in the middle and place your coin inside. Ensure it is held firmly (in other words, make the slit slightly narrower and push the penny into it). You can then use it like a spinning top!
Try spinning it!!
Getting the spinner moving can be difficult at first.. but continue practicing and it will become simpler. After it starts spinning, loosen your hands slightly; this lets the spinner “reload in reverse” and continue turning!!!! We hope you try this easy STEAM activity this Halloween!
Want more Halloween entertainment? Take a look at our Top 10 Halloween Ideas:
