What You Need

• Cardboard tube- a paper towel roll will work, but a long wrapping-paper tube is even better. (You can also tape 2 or 3 paper towel tubes together)
• Push pins
• Toothpicks
• Masking tape
• Tinfoil and rubber bands
• Filling- seeds, dried beans, rice, corn kernels, etc
• Paints and decorations to glue on- optional

Steps

1. Use the push pins to poke holes in your cardboard tube. Space them about ½ to 1 inch apart for the whole length of the tube.
2. Stick toothpicks through all the pin holes and press them into the tube as far as they will go. The more toothpicks you use, the more it will sound like rain.
3. Carefully cut off the ends of the toothpicks if they are sticking out more than ¼ inch. Wrap the entire tube in masking tape.
4. Cover one end of the tube with tinfoil and secure it with a rubber band.
5. Pour small beans, rice, corn kernels, etc. into the tube.
6. Cover the open end with your hand, turn over the tube, and listen.
7. Add or remove filling until you are pleased with the sound and then seal off the other end.
8. Decorate your rainstick by painting it or gluing things on.
9. Listen to the lovely patter and wait for the rain!