Paper Circuits
Playing with circuits has never been more fun! Students have the ability to make simple functioning toys with only paper, tape, light bulbs and batteries. The copper tape replaces the wire and allows electricity to flow from the battery source to the light bulb component.
We created an Angler Fish that could light up with a parallel circuit. We used copper tape to wire the circuit connecting the two lights as well as the battery. We used the parallel format in order to preserve energy and to use one battery to power both lights equally well.
We created an Angler Fish that could light up with a parallel circuit. We used copper tape to wire the circuit connecting the two lights as well as the battery. We used the parallel format in order to preserve energy and to use one battery to power both lights equally well.
Keys to a Paper Circuit
- The adhesive side of the tape is less conductive than the front copper side.
- The long ends of the LED lights are positive, the short ends are negative.
- Parallel Circuits are needed, in order to use the equal amount of power from one battery to power multiple lights.
- Non-conductive tape should be used to hold things together so your circuit.
- Be sure to distinguish the positive and negative side of your battery.
- Never connect both ends of the battery, it will short and you could cause a fire!
Other Resources on how to make Paper Circuits:
The Tinkering Studio: http://tinkering.exploratorium.edu/paper-circuits
High-Low Tech: http://highlowtech.org/?p=2505
Instrucables: http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-Circuits/