It's spooky decor that really soars.

This simple micro:bit and servo motor project makes a big impact by extending the movement of the motor to the invisible fishing line to make paper bats bounce, flap, and "fly" in mid-air! This decoration is perfect for your next Halloween party to keep the spooky vibe alive!

If you like our projects and want to see more of what we get up to each week please follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

Supplies

Tools:

Step 1: Print the Template

Print the template (linked below) on black paper if you can, or print and color the bats black.
I printed two sheets to make 6 bats, but your project may require more or less depending on the space you have to hang it.

Bat_Template.pdf
Download

Step 2: Prepare the Fold Lines

Use a bone folder or a pen to mark the fold lines as shown.

Step 3: Cut Out the Bats

Cut out the bat shapes.

Step 4: Fold the Bat Wings

Fold the bat wings back and forth on every other crease like you would a paper fan.
Repeat for all the bats.

Step 5: Make a Hole

Make a hole in each bat where indicated.

Step 6: Add Fishing Line to the Bats

Thread about 2 feet of fishing line through the hole on each bat and tie a knot to keep it in place.

Step 7: Build the Circuit

Place a small piece of Maker Tape on the bricks under the corners of the Bit Board to make it fit snugly on the pegs. If you don't have Maker Tape, you could also use a strip of masking tape.
Connect the battery pack to the battery terminal, the servo motor to pin 0, and place the micro:bit into the edge connector.

Step 8: Connect the Motor Head

Cut a piece of the fishing line long enough to reach across your room, adding about 6 inches extra.
Tie the end to the motor head.
Place the motor head with the fishing line on top of the motor.

Step 9: Add the Code

Upload the code to micro:bit: https://makecode.microbit.org/70738-69096-02057-35753

Step 10: Attach the Project to the Wall

Use command strips to adhere the baseplate and the battery pack to the wall (so you don't make any permanent marks on the wall).
Tape the other end of the fishing line to the wall on the other side of the room. There should be about 3 inches of slack left in the line to allow the motor to move.

Step 11: Tie the Bat Strings

Tie the bat strings to the main string letting the bats hang at different lengths. Tie the smaller bats higher and the larger bats lower to give the appearance of depth.
Trim any excess fishing line from the project.

Step 12: Turn on the Battery Pack!

Turn on the battery pack and watch the bats fly!
HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

It would be fun to use these bats with a smoke machine to make them dance in eerie clouds of smoke! We hope you had fun with this project, and if you make one please add your photo below!

If you like our projects and want to see more of what we get up to each week please follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.