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Explore and expand on the basics of electrical circuits through fun, hands-on projects. Students will build various circuit types, learning current, voltage, and conductivity. Students will work together to use LED and lighting, motors, sensors, and more to build their own creations
Day 1: Introduction to Circuitry Basics
· Tufts Circuit Activity Placemats
https://sites.tufts.edu/pebl/2023/09/08/circuits/
Activity: Students will use double-sided, laminated "Circuits Activity Placemats" to learn the foundational basics of circuitry.
Concept: Campers will practice how to connect switches, lights, and motors, establishing a basic understanding of electricity before moving on to larger creations.
Day 2: Applied Circuit Challenges
Activity: Applying what they learned on the first day, students will participate in design challenges that require them to build practical items.
Projects: Campers will tackle the "Light Challenge" by building a lamp, as well as the "Motor Challenge" to construct a working fan.
https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.tufts.edu/dist/0/6927/files/2023/09/Lamp.pdf
Extension:
Circuit Boards https://www.exploratorium.edu/tinkering/projects/circuit-boards
Motor Challenge:
https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.tufts.edu/dist/0/6927/files/2023/09/Table-Fan.pdf
Alternatively, students could use their knowledge of motors to motorize a model Ferris Wheel or merry-go-round
Day 3: Exploring Alternative Circuits
Activity: To expand on the basics of conductivity and building various circuit types, students will dive into "Squishy Circuits" and "Paper Circuits".
Concept: These activities from the Enchanted Electronics curriculum introduce novel ways to build functioning circuits beyond traditional wires.
https://sites.google.com/aceraschool.org/enchantedelectronics/squishy-circuits
https://sites.google.com/aceraschool.org/enchantedelectronics/paper-circuits
https://www.exploratorium.edu/sites/default/files/tinkering/files/Instructions/paper_circuits.pdf
Day 4: Introduction to Bristlebots
https://sites.google.com/aceraschool.org/enchantedelectronics/bristlebots
Activity: Students will create their own kinetic "Bristlebots" using coin cell batteries, foam tape, wires, pipe cleaners, and a variety of toothbrushes and motors.
Concept: This group activity serves as a fun introduction to concepts of energy, motion, and animal movement. Students will first construct a standard Bristlebot before making their own unique versions.
Bristlebot Challenges: Students will test their Bristlebots on tracks to meet specific engineering challenges: going over a small ramp, going around a corner using wooden blocks, and traveling in a straight line. Campers will draw and explain their designs, problem-solving and redesigning if their bot fails a challenge.
Day 5: Engineering Challenges, Critterbots, and Scribbling Machines
To cap off the week, students will broaden their exploration of motorized creations by discovering how to build "Critterbots" and "Scribbling Machines".
CritterBots
https://sites.google.com/aceraschool.org/enchantedelectronics/critterbots
scribbling_machines.pdfOther Resources:
Barnabas Robotics Curriculum:
https://www.barnabasrobotics.com/educators/curriculum/
Science Buddies Boredom-Busters STEM Activities
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/boredom-busters-stem-activities
Tufts CEEO K8 Cookbook
https://sites.tufts.edu/ceeok8book/lesson-plans/
Tufts Constructopedia 2.o
https://sites.tufts.edu/pebl/2023/09/28/constructopedia-v2-0/
Tufts Low-cost Engineering Placemats:
https://sites.tufts.edu/pebl/2023/08/30/low-cost-engineering-activity-placemats/
Tufts Circuit Activity Placemats:
https://sites.tufts.edu/pebl/2023/09/08/circuits/
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