What is a science bug?
A science bug is a small electronics kit consisting of a simple power source (a coin sized battery), three light emitting diodes (called LEDs), two resistors, and some aluminum foil and electrical tape. With these simple electrical components you can do 10 experiments that teach some of the fundamentals about electronics, such as what resistance and current are, or what the difference is between a parallel and series circuit.
Why are they called science bugs?
Electronics is a very fun way to introduce kids to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). I wanted to make a very simple and inexpensive kit so that it was easy to share it and allow others to try some hands-on experiments with electronics. Once they do this I’m pretty sure that they will “catch the bug” and want to learn and do more.
How did you come up with the idea of science bugs?
I was applying to be the state vice president for 4H in science and technology. As part of my campaign I had a budget of $75 for things that I could pass out at 4H state contests to the 150 students that were there. Rather than treats or buttons, I thought it would be fun to try and come up with an electronics kit that the other kids could use to teach their club about electronics. My Mom, Dad, and I considered several different options, and did a lot of research on what components were really cheap. The science bug kits were the result. We wrote a booklet to go along with them so that it would be easy for someone new to electronics to read and try things out even if they didn’t have access to a computer or the internet. The glowing science bug necklace that is the last experiment in the booklet was worn by many of the kids to a dance we had at the end of the state contents. It was cool to see everyone who had “caught the bug” at the dance.
How does a science bug compare to other electronics kits?
The science bug is a simplistic kit meant to give kids a taste of what you can do with electronics and engineering. It is very simple, but it teaches key concepts needed to learn about electricity and electronics.
Who are science bugs for, who can benefit from trying them?
They are for anyone that is old enough to read and young enough to learn something new. The
experiments are simple to do and don’t require anything beyond what is in a kit. Because they are battery powered they can be done anywhere, but usually it helps if you have a table or desk to do the experiments on.
Have you tried them out? Where?
We’ve tried the kits at the SLC Maker Faire, and at Start SLC. Both places they were a big hit. We’ve also tried them with a service group called Soroptimist International (with some adults), the Salt Lake County Fair, a Lights On Afterschool event, The Salt Lake Valley Science Carnival, and at scout pack meetings and family reunions. Although not everyone is interested in learning more about electronics after, everyone did seem to really enjoy building their own “science bug.”
What things can I learn about about electricity from doing the experiments with a science bug?
You can learn about voltage, current and resistance. Also how to read the value of a resistor using the color code. You'll find out what makes an electrical circuit work, and the difference between putting resistors or batteries in parallel or series.
I thought the experiments were interesting, what should I do now?
Share them with other people! I have found there are a lot of people like us that find designing, building and experimenting with electronics fascinating. There are more advanced kits and books that are available about the exciting worlds of electronics, robotics, and programming. I’ve put together a kickstarter that has several more advanced kit available that you’re welcome to check out. My favorite is the "Arduino Basic" or "Arduino Plus" kits. You can also find other electronics kits at Radio Shack, online on Amazon or even eBay. Two of my favorites (after the one I put together myself) are from SparkFun, or AdaFruit.
Can I use science bugs in my classroom/school?
Certainly. They are meant to be shared. You are welcome to make copies of the book and either get your own parts or I’ve got classroom packs of the parts. Please don’t sell the booklets, and please let other people know where they can download them for free or order a set of their own parts.