Introduction: Handmade Hand

By LIFE
About: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a modern myth; a 200 year-old science-fiction story that explores themes of human creativity, societal responsibility and scientific ethics. Two centuries later, these themes c…

Another challenge from the Frankenstein200 Workshop!

The human hand is a wonderfully complex and capable apparatus. But now some robots are able to perform many of the tasks accomplished by human hands. Make a handmade hand to see how that can work.

Complete this workshop activity to earn an achievement at Frankenstein.LIFE!

Step 1: Collect These Materials

  1. Sheet of stiff cardstock or construction paper
  2. Two drinking straws
  3. Tape
  4. String

Step 2: Draw Your Hand

Trace an outstretched hand on your sheet of paper. Then cut along the outline.

Step 3: Add Joints

Score and fold the fingers and thumb where the joints would be, so they can bend more easily, like a real hand. Tape a piece of straw to each section of the fingers and thumb, 3 pieces on each finger and 2 pieces on the thumb.

Step 4: Thread the Fingers for Movement

Thread a string through the straw segments on each finger. Tie knot at tip of each finger to hold the string in place. Pull a string to make its finger curl.

Step 5: Make Your Handmade Hand Move

Cut a hole through the palm of the paper hand, and feed each string through the hole. When you pull all the strings together, the hand makes a grasping movement.

Step 6: SHOW US WHAT YOU MADE!

Did you make a scribble bot? Then share it with us! We love seeing what people make. All the best ones will be featured in our Showcase.

And there's way more! Frankenstein200 puts you in the middle of the action in a story where Mary Shelley’s classic tale Frankenstein collides with modern science. Perform experiments, explore hidden areas of research, and assist a pair of young scientists as they unravel a mystery in a cutting-edge digital experience.