How kids can make seismographs?

With adult supervision, kids can make a homemade seismograph with a few arts and crafts materials. Before beginning, gather together a cardboard box, a plastic cup, some clay, some string, some small rocks, a piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

1. Remove flaps from the box

   With the scissors, remove all the flaps from the top of the box. It should be completely open.

2. Poke holes in the plastic cup

   With a round skewer or a screwdriver, poke a hole in the center of the bottom of the cup. Then poke two holes opposite one another along the cup's rim.

3. Secure the marker in the cup

   Place the marker face-down through the bottom hole in the cup. Secure it in place with clay.

4. Poke holes in the box

   Poke two holes next to each other in the bottom of the cardboard box.

5. String the cup to the box

   Thread the string through the two holes in the rim of the cup. Tie the string through the holes in the box so that the cup hangs level and the tip of the marker just touches the surface.

6. Add weight to the cup

   Fill the cup with small rocks, marbles or other heavy objects.

7. Place paper underneath the marker

   Place a piece of paper underneath the marker to record movement.