If you enjoy time travel and love to create things, and you're looking for an interesting activity to do alone or with friends, we have a great idea — build a time machine (fictional, of course). Read our article to find out how.
Building the Time Machine's Exterior
Step 1. Find a large cardboard box.
Look for a cardboard box that is spacious enough for you. A refrigerator box would be perfect, though it might be hard to find. The box should be rectangular. Here are some places to look:
- Check packaging supply stores for their largest boxes.
- Ask at grocery stores — they often throw away packaging, so feel free to ask. Avoid boxes that held strongly scented products.
- Ask friends who recently moved if they have any boxes to spare.
Step 2. Get silver and gold paint.
Stock up on silver and gold paint. Paint the outer side of the box in one of these futuristic colors! Make sure the paint is safe for cardboard — do not use wall paint as it may be toxic.
- After the paint dries, add glitter for an extra effect.
Step 3. Prepare black paper.
Take some thick black paper and cut out large circles or squares. Once the paint is dry, stick them onto the box to create the effect of darkened windows.
- You can also cut real windows, but this will require more effort.
- Or simply paint windows directly onto the box.
Setting Up the Interior
Step 1. Paint the inside walls of the box.
Paint the inside of the box. If you used silver on the outside, you can use gold on the inside, and vice versa. Don't spend too much time on the painting, as no one will see it but you.
Step 2. Create a control panel.
Make a control panel by gluing a sheet of white paper inside the box and writing numbers from 0 to 9 on it.
Step 3. Install or hang an old phone.
Place or hang an old phone inside — it will be useful in emergencies.
Step 4. Create a cozy seating area.
Lay a soft red pillow on the bottom of the machine. A comfortable seat is important, especially if your journey takes a while. You can also use a red blanket.
- Fabrics like velvet or satin are ideal — let your interior be stylish!
Step 5. Add electronic devices.
Grab an old joystick to serve as controls, and maybe a modem — it could come in handy on your journey.
- Any devices with buttons, dials, or lights will be great. Avoid using anything potentially dangerous.
Step 6. Don’t forget about supplies.
Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water, snacks, and a calculator to keep yourself entertained during the journey.
Step 7. Start your time machine.
Now that your machine is ready, it’s time to embark on your journey. Mimic a mechanical voice and press buttons on the panel. For added effect, type something on the calculator and "control" the joystick.
- Be prepared for surprises! You might scream and bang on the machine like a true mad scientist.
Playing with the Time Machine
Step 1. Take a nap.
For your time machine to work, you need to doze off. This could happen while you’re reading a book about time travel, or you might pretend there was an explosion while trying to fix the gadgets.
- Close your eyes for a few minutes, and when you open them, you’ll find yourself in a different time!
Step 2. Create the effect of the time machine working.
Show that your machine is functioning. Ask friends to make humming sounds or play eerie music, like from "The Twilight Zone." Here are some ways to set the atmosphere:
- Have someone flash the lights while you’re inside.
- If safe, use a fog machine near the time machine.
- Blow bubbles around you.
- Throw glitter or confetti, but keep in mind that you’ll have to clean it up afterward.
- Turn on a loud fan and direct it at the machine.
- When the sounds die down, have someone say in a mechanical voice, "Process complete."
Step 3. Exit the machine in a new era.
When your machine has completed its journey, you’ve officially traveled to a new era. To make your experience more exciting, keep these points in mind:
- Create the look of a time traveler. Mess up your hair or draw dark spots on your cheeks to simulate an explosion.
- Surround the machine with items characteristic of the new time.
- Have your friends also dress in period-appropriate attire.
- While exploring new places, portray complete confusion and bewilderment.
- If you decide to return home, don’t forget to get back into your time machine. But be careful — what if it stops working?
