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String Telephone Experiment - DIY Science Project for Kids

Did you know the longest functioning tin can phone was 796 feet long - almost three football fields! Create your own string telephone experiment using simple materials like cans, string, and basic tools. This classic science project teaches kids about sound waves and communication while encouraging experimentation with different materials. Hold the string as taut as possible for the best results, and see if you can beat that world record at home!

10-20 minutes Ages 6-10 2 steps may need help

About This Project

A 10–20 minutes craft for ages 6–10, using supplies you likely already have — Paper Clips, Hammers, and Cans.

GlueStick supports kids from setup to cleanup. After they choose a project, we guide them through gathering the supplies, making it, and cleaning up when they're done. We'll even help them share it safely with trusted family and friends.

Ad-free and kid-safe library — designed by a mom who wants kids to explore and create independently.

This project is perfect for:

Science Experiments
STEM Activities
Communication Studies
Sound Wave Learning
Classic Kids Projects

Project Tags

stem experiment communications science telephone sound waves science lab budget friendly recycling center recycled materials engineering basics partner play family project simple machines indoor outdoor

1
Find Supplies

Do you have everything you need?

Create a free GlueStick account to track supplies and see if you have what you need at a glance. Leave your kids tips about where supplies are stored in your household so they can set up and clean up their creative spaces independently.

00:00

Paper Clips
Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown

Hammers
Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown

Cans
Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown

At least 25 feet String
Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown

Nails
Unknown cupboard quantity You have: unknown
2
Make String Telephone Experiment

Messy Mode

Make a hole in the bottom of two cans

Bring your can to a work bench, plastic cutting board, or other surface you can hammer on. Hammering directly on a kitchen table may scratch it. Lightly hammer a nail into the center bottom of a can. Your hole only needs to be just big enough to poke your string through. Remove the nail and use it to hammer a second hole in the other can.

Add the string

Poke the string from the outside of the can to the inside. Be careful! Metal edges may be sharp. Tie a knot around a paper clip (or washer) to keep your string from pulling through the hole when in use.

Experiment!

Pull the string taut and talk into one can. Can someone on the other end hear you? What happens if you make the string shorter or longer? Does yarn work better than cotton string? What kind of can or cup works best? Try experimenting with tin cans, disposable cups, or other materials in your home.

Your creative buddy says:

"I can't wait to make a project with you!"

Step 1: Make a hole in the bottom of two cans

SHARP! Grown-up required

Bring your can to a work bench, plastic cutting board, or other surface you can hammer on. Hammering directly on a kitchen table may scratch it. Lightly hammer a nail into the center bottom of a can. Your hole only needs to be just big enough to poke your string through. Remove the nail and use it to hammer a second hole in the other can.

Step 2: Add the string

SHARP! Grown-up required

Poke the string from the outside of the can to the inside. Be careful! Metal edges may be sharp. Tie a knot around a paper clip (or washer) to keep your string from pulling through the hole when in use.

Step 3: Experiment!

Pull the string taut and talk into one can. Can someone on the other end hear you? What happens if you make the string shorter or longer? Does yarn work better than cotton string? What kind of can or cup works best? Try experimenting with tin cans, disposable cups, or other materials in your home.
3
Clean up
Put things away so your space is tidy for next time.
Tidy up our space

Pick up anything that fell on the floor.

Wipe up any spills on the table.

Put your completed project somewhere safe!

Throw away all your trash and recycling.
Put away our supplies

Check off each supply when it is put away — and any clean-up tips underneath are done too. You might find a fun surprise!

Put away paper clips. Where they belong:

Put away cans. Where they belong:

Put away string. Where they belong:

Put away nails. Where they belong:

Put away hammer. Where they belong:
Update what we have left

Did we run out of anything while making this project? Update our supply cupboard so that we know exactly what we have for next time.

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4
Save

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"Way to stick with it!"

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About the Author

STL Motherhood

I’m a boy mom, crafter and former reporter who loves taking my kids to superhero movies. Join me for a mix of traditional kid crafts, STEM fun and 3D printing.

More projects by this author

String Telephone Experiment - DIY Science Project for Kids

About This Project

Project Tags

Find Supplies

Make String Telephone Experiment

Step 1: Make a hole in the bottom of two cans

Step 2: Add the string

Step 3: Experiment!

Clean up

Tidy up our space

Put away our supplies

Update what we have left

Save

Made something awesome? Keep going.

Got leftover supplies? Try these ideas!

More projects about family project

More projects from the Recycling Center area of the map

Upcycle supplies you already have in a flash

About the Author

STL Motherhood