DIY Perler Bead Suction Cups Experiment for Adults with Special Needs
Perler Bead Suction Cups
If you asked us to imagine a life without Perler beads, we might have a hard time picturing it. We make friendship bracelets, pictures, and all sorts of wonderful things with Perler beads. This quick and easy experiment is a great science experiment and tactile and sensory tool for adults with sensory processing challenges.
You will need:
- 2 Mason jars
- A regular-sized tub of Perler beads
- Duct tape
- A tray
- Water
Instructions
- Get your two mason jars side by side in the tray. Make sure that neither has a lid on
- Fill one jar with Perler beads
- Fill the other jar ⅔ to ¾ of the way full with water
- Here’s where it gets tricky… Get a length of tape ready that is long enough to wrap around the jars twice.
- With one had wrapped around the top of the water jar, quickly and carefully flip the Perler bead jar over onto it so that the rims are matching up with each other.
- You may have lost a few beads at this time, but that’s ok as long as it’s not too many.
- Hold the mouths of the two jars together and quickly tape around them
- Add more tape to ensure a secure and waterproof connection.
- Once secure, turn the jars upside down (as seen in the video). Using the pocket of air inside the water jar, the Pearler beads will suction to the other side. Keep turning it back and forth to see this science experiment in action!
About Stephen’s Place
Stephen’s Place is an independent apartment community for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, located in Vancouver, WA (7 minutes from Portland, OR).
If you have a loved one with developmental or intellectual disabilities, who is looking for a community to live in, please contact us for more information.
Stephen’s Place is a private-pay apartment community due to our state-of-the-art amenities and programs. We are a nonprofit and do not profit from our community. We are private pay because we spend more than some housing communities to ensure that our residents are comfortable and can safely live their lives with independence and dignity.