Here are over 20 science projects for kids using cardboard tubes! In this collection of STEM and STEAM activities for kids, you’ll find all kinds of creative ways to encourage scientific exploration using empty toilet paper rolls, empty paper towel rolls and other cardboard tubes.
Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board!
This post contains affiliate links.
We often use cardboard tubes for crafts (like with these adorable hanging bats) or for creative play (like in our car-themed sensory bin), but they can also be used to encourage children to explore the world around them. So grab some toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, or wrapping paper roll tubes and get busy creating all kinds of fun and engaging science activities!
Don’t want to repurpose old cardboard tubes? You can also buy recycled craft rolls in sets.
Science Projects Using Cardboard Tubes
Exploring Sound with Homemade Rainsticks
Cloud Watching Binocular Craft
Cardboard Tube Marble Run STEM Activity from Little Bins for Little Hands
Upcycled Catapult from Go Science Girls
STEM Challenge: Build a Bridge from Inspiration Laboratories
Owl Eyesight STEM Exploration from JDaniel4’sMom
Homemade Bubble Blower from Happy Hooligans
Building Challenge: Design Play Structures for Toys from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
Pulley Engineering STEAM Activity from Left Brain Craft Brain
Paper Plate Marble Track from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
DIY Recycled Suspension Bridge from Left Brain Craft Brain
Hand Crank Winch Simple Machine Activity from Little Bins for Little Hands
Gardening with Kids: Seed Starting from Rainy Day Mum
Balloon Rocket from Mum in the Madhouse
DIY Constellation Viewer from School Time Snippets
Moon Phase Viewer from What Do We Do All Day?
Be sure to check out STEAM Kids book and ebook for even more creative STEM and STEAM ideas!