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    Home » Learning Activities » How to Fit Through an Index Card - Index Card Chain

    How to Fit Through an Index Card - Index Card Chain

    Published: Oct 2, 2019 · Modified: Nov 4, 2021 by Vicky

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    "Do you think you can fit through this index card?" My daughter looked at me like I was crazy as I asked her this question and held up a 3x5 index card. She emphatically answered no, and was very curious when I told her that I could show her how she could very easily fit through an index card. What followed was one our favorite science experiments for kids as we learned how to make an index card chain.

    How to Fit Through an Index Card and make an Index Card Chain - Kids are amazed when they can step through an index card. #indexcardchain #indexcardchallenge #kidsactivities

    Why this experiment is fun for kids

    With this science experiment, kids will learn about how physical objects change. As a bonus, kids will be working on following directions and honing their fine motor skills as they practice cutting the card chain. This is an activity that we have done time and time again since we first tried it when my kids were younger.

    Materials needed

    • 3x5 index card
    • Scissors

    How to fit through an index card

    Fold the index card in half lengthwise. Make two cuts, one on each end, starting from the folded edge. Don't cut all the way up to the top. Make sure to leave some at the edges still intact.

    Next, make alternating cuts, spacing each around ⅛ to ¼ inch apart. For example, for the second cut you would turn the paper over and cut from the non-folded side down to the fold. Then turn over again and cut from the folded side to the non-folded side. Go back and forth like this until you have reached the last cut that you originally made. Remember to not cut all the way to the end or the chain will fall apart.

    Next, you will slide the scissor into the "loops" that you have made on the folded side. You will not be cutting the first or last loop so leave those out.

    Honestly, the best way to do this is to try it over and over until you get it right.

     learn how to make an index card chain

    When you open up the index card it should look like this. You can see that everything has been cut apart except for the two ends.

    how to make a big loop out of an index card

    Carefully stretch it apart to get this chain.

    how to make an index card chain

    Can kids make an index card chain?

    Once my kids saw me make the chain they were excited to try it out for themselves. My 6 and 7 year old were able to do this, but it will depend on how much scissor experience your child has.

    child cutting an index card change

    Making these small cuts and not cutting all the way to the end requires a great deal of fine motor control so this is a great exercise for little hands.

    cutting an index card chain

    Look how big that one index card gets!

    how to make a big loop out of an index card

         

    Big enough to step into and wear as a belt!

    how to fit through an index card

    This is one of our favorite science experiments because we really got to see how one small card when cut in a certain way can change and become an super long index card chain. As an added activity, kids can decorate these chains with markers and wear them as necklaces.

    Environmentally friendly kids crafts

    If you are looking for more fun activities for kids, check out Green Kid Crafts, an earth friendly monthly craft subscription box for kids that sparks creativity while teaching kids a respect and love for the environment. These boxes are themed and each month will be filled with fun projects and creative activities than can be enjoyed by kids from ages 3-10.

    Since Green Kid Crafts is an earth friendly company, they use sustainable, safe materials in all of their products. They also give a portion from each sale to environmental non-profits. Learn more about a monthly subscription of fun!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Janell

      October 02, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Now, this is one experiment that is sure to please both child and parent . . . mess free! Sounds like a fun way to "think outside the box."

    2. Melane

      October 02, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      What a fun activity for littles!

    3. Marina

      October 03, 2019 at 12:39 am

      Nice one. Sounds like so much fun for kids x

    4. Yanna

      October 03, 2019 at 8:39 am

      I love doing crafts with my boys! This is one that I haven't tried. Thanks for sharing!

    5. Amanda

      October 03, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      My boys would love this--the perfect rainy day craft!

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    Hi, I'm Vicky, founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find it at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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