Old-Timey Toys & Recycling

What does recycling have to do with old-time toys?

Back in the day, toys were expensive and stores were hard to get to for most kids, so they made their own. Kids got pretty creative using leftover fabric from grandmother’s apron, corn husks, buttons, string---whatever they could find. Here's some inspiration from old-timey toys using things you might throw away or recycle today. Try making these toys and then invent your own toys and games using things you find---have fun!

 

Duration:

18 minutes, 15 seconds

Ranger Jodie explores old time toys made from different materials found around the house and yard. She also shows modern toys and games made using recycled materials like plastic and string. Watch and see if you can come up with some of your own ideas to make a toy or game!

 

Using a piece of string and an old button, you can make a toy!

photo courtesy of Ranger Jodie

Materials Needed For Making A Toy Whizzer or Buzzer:

• String (you need at least 24 inches)
• A button with at least 2 holes that's 1 or 2 inches across
• Scissors

How To Make It (watch the video to see how it's done):

1. Measure and cut a piece of string to a length of 24 inches.
2. Thread the piece of string through one hole in the button, then thread the same piece of string through another hole in the button.
3. Tie the two ends of the string together in a knot.

You are now ready to play with your toy whizzer! Remember, like in the video, you have to wind up the string by winding up one side. Once the string is snug on your fingers, use both fingers to begin pulling in and out at the same time. Don’t stop! You have to keep going in and out for it to work.

 

Soda Bottle Game

photo courtesy of Ranger Jodie

Materials Needed For Making the Soda Bottles and Marble Game:

• 5 soda bottles (big 2-liter bottles are best)
• Strong tape like duct tape
• Marbles or little rocks

How To Make It:

1. Clean the bottles and remove the labels.
2. Take 4 of the bottles and cut the bottom half off. (Leaving the top intact.)
3. Take the 1 whole bottle and place it on the floor standing upright.
4. Take one of the cut tops and place it on top of the whole bottle. Measure so that the top/opening of the cut bottle is about 3 inches above the whole bottle’s opening. When it is straight and the openings directly line up, tape around the top bottle to hold it in place.
5. Continue doing this with the other three bottles.
6. Once all bottle tops are directly lined up and taped, you're ready to play!

How many tries will it take to get your marble to the bottom of the last bottle?