Upcycle Bags Into a Plarn Jump Rope
What if you could jump rope without using any rope? Now you can! Transform ordinary bags into plarn (plastic + yarn = plarn) to make jump rope. This activity will inspire your child to think about creative ways to recycle and reuse household items that might otherwise be thrown away.
Materials
Directions
Lay one plastic bag flat on the floor. Cut off the bottom and the handles, and then cut it open — making one big rectangle. Repeat for the remaining bags.
Cut each rectangle into long strips.
Tie strips together until they’ve formed the length of a jump rope (about 12 strips). Form six of these ropes total.
Separate the ropes into two groups of three. Bunch the tops of each group together and tape the ends to the back of a chair or a table edge — like you’re making a giant friendship bracelet!
Braid the two groups of rope – for a total of two braids.
Twist the two braided ropes together very tightly and duct tape the ends to create handles. Get jumping!
Explore Further
As you braid used grocery bags into an upcycled jump rope, predict which properties of the bags will change and which will stay the same. Do you think the new rope will be sturdier or flimsier than the bags? What color will the new rope be? How will this rope be different than a traditional jump rope? What other items in your recycle bin can be creatively reused?
Science