Introduction: Robot Luminaria

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This is a good, kid friendly activity. You can, of course, do any designs you want, but I was trying to do a techie spin on this.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Grab your tools and get your workspace ready!


1 steel can per student

  • A can of spray paint
  • Several print outs of images for use on the can
  • Scissors
  • Small pointy stick
  • Tape (any kind will do)
  • Markers
  • Hammer
  • Nail
  • Paper towels
  • Water
  • Freezer

Step 2: Fill Your Cans With Water

Fill your cans with water and let them freeze before attempting to put in your design or you will end up with a bed up can.

Step 3: This What You Get With Out the Ice

the can gets dented and bend if it doesn't have a solid support inside when you hammer.

I tried blocks of wood, but that did not work.

I also tried drilling instead of hammering, but that is tricky for kids.

Step 4: Choose Your Design

If the design is too complicated, it looks like a bunch of
holes instead of a robot.

Step 5: Create a Hole Pattern

Plan out your spacing of your holes so that it looks good.

About ¼” apart is about as close as you want to get between holes

Step 6: Cut and Tape You Pattern to the Can

Since the can is cold, it is best to take the pattern to itself, instead of the can.

Step 7: Paint Your Can

I found that sticking a stick in the ground and putting the
can on it upside down works well to get all sides and let it dry in the sun.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Result!