Build a machine that flips a light switch. Activities for Kids.

All Activities

Build a machine that flips a light switch

Build a small mechanical arm that flips a wall light switch using cardboard, levers, rubber bands, and a safe battery motor, with adult help.

Download Guide

Collect Badge

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to build a machine that flips a light switch

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Simple Machine Projects | Pulley Working Model

What you need

Adult supervision required, cardboard, glue or hot glue gun, scissors, small battery motor with battery holder and battery, small plastic bottle cap or motor connector, small rubber bands, tape, wooden craft stick

Step 1

Ask an adult for permission and help to build a safe switch-flipping machine.

Step 2

Promise the adult you will not touch any electrical wiring and that only the adult will touch wires or the inside of the switch.

Step 3

Gather all the materials on a clean table so they are easy to reach.

Step 4

Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard about 20 cm by 10 cm to use as your base.

Step 5

Ask the adult to make a small hole in the bottle cap so it will fit onto the motor shaft.

Step 6

Glue the bottle cap to one end of the craft stick to make a simple arm connector and let the glue dry.

Step 7

Tape or glue the motor to the cardboard near one short edge so the motor shaft faces outward over the base.

Step 8

Push the craft stick connector onto the motor shaft so the stick will turn when the motor spins.

Step 9

Hook a rubber band from the tip of the craft stick to a staple or tape anchor on the cardboard to pull the arm back after it moves.

Step 10

Place the cardboard base against the wall so the arm tip sits just under the light switch toggle.

Step 11

Ask the adult to install the battery and briefly turn the motor on while you watch to see how the arm moves.

Step 12

Move the arm position or change the rubber band anchor point until the arm reliably pushes the switch up or down.

Step 13

Secure the base with extra tape or a small weight so it does not slide when the arm moves.

Step 14

Share a photo or video of your finished switch-flipping machine on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share

Help!?

What can we use instead of a small motor, bottle cap, or craft stick if those are hard to find?

If you can't find a small motor or bottle cap, use a battery-powered toy motor for the motor shaft, a small plastic lid or a short piece of drinking straw instead of the bottle cap hole, and substitute a popsicle stick for the craft stick when you glue the connector.

The arm doesn't reach or the machine slips—what should we check or change?

If the arm doesn't hit the toggle when you place the cardboard base against the wall so the arm tip sits just under the light switch, try moving the motor closer to the edge, change the rubber band anchor point, have the adult briefly test the motor with the battery to confirm motion, and secure the base with extra tape or a small weight as the instructions say.

How can we adapt this project for younger kids or make it more challenging for older kids?

For younger children have an adult pre-cut the 20 cm by 10 cm cardboard, make the hole in the bottle cap, and glue or tape the motor in place while the child attaches the craft stick and adjusts the rubber band, and for older kids add gearing, a longer arm, or a controlled switch or microcontroller (with adult help) for more precise flipping.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the switch-flipping machine after it works?

You can decorate the cardboard base, swap the bottle-cap connector for a longer craft stick arm, add a second rubber band anchor for push-and-pull motion, or (with adult supervision) add a relay or timer so the motor flips the light automatically before sharing a photo or video on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to build a machine that flips a light switch

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to make a switch (DIY) | Circuits Part 3| Learning Made Fun

4 Videos

Facts about simple machines and basic electronics for kids

⚙️ A lever makes work easier — the longer the arm you push, the less force you need to move something heavier.

💡 A light switch simply opens or closes the electrical circuit to a lamp — always have an adult help when working near house wiring.

📦 Corrugated cardboard becomes much stronger when folded into tubes or beams — great for building sturdy arms and frames.

🤖 Rube Goldberg's cartoons inspired the name for crazy chain-reaction machines that do simple jobs in lots of silly steps.

🔋 Tiny battery-powered motors can spin thousands of times per minute and are used in toys, fans, and simple machines.

How do I build a small mechanical arm to flip a wall light switch?

To build a small mechanical arm that flips a wall light switch, sketch a plan, then make a sturdy cardboard base to sit under the switch. Create a lever arm from layered cardboard and attach a pivot (pencil or wooden dowel) so it can swing. Mount a small safe battery motor with a cam or wheel to push the arm, and add a rubber-band return. Secure everything with tape and glue, test gently, and have an adult supervise each step.

What materials do I need to build a light-switch-flipping machine?

Materials: sturdy cardboard sheets, scissors and utility knife (adult use), ruler, pencil, hot glue or strong craft glue, tape, small battery-powered DC motor or geared motor (low voltage), AA battery holder and batteries, wooden dowel or pencils for pivots, rubber bands for return tension, small wheel or bottle cap for a cam, clothespins or clamps, and optional markers or paint for decoration.

What ages is this cardboard lever light-switch project suitable for?

Suitable ages: This project is best for children aged about 8 and up with close adult supervision. Ages 8–12 can follow instructions and help cut and assemble; teens can design and troubleshoot more independently. Younger children (4–7) can participate by drawing, decorating, and testing under an adult’s control, but should not handle knives, motors, or batteries.

What safety tips and learning benefits come from making a switch-flipping machine?

Safety and benefits: Always have an adult supervise, avoid touching electrical wiring, and use low-voltage battery motors only. Secure the arm so it won't damage the wall or switch, and don’t force the switch—stop if resistance is high. Educational benefits include learning about levers, cams, simple machines, cause-and-effect, problem solving, fine motor skills, and creativity. Recycle materials when finished and review safety rules before starting.

Get 7 days of DIY for FREE!

Continue with Google

Continue with Apple

Continue with Email

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.