Embedded Files
Make a box that lights up when you move a switch!
Make a box that lights up when you move a switch!
Electricity is dangerous! Read this caution.
Materials: One piece of 8.5 X 11 inch paper, a box switch template, copper tape, one LED, a small piece of magnetic tape or one paper fastener (brass brad), two paperclips, transparent tape, and one 3V watch battery.
To create your box, see this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFCR-0YyOEs.
Use the regular piece of paper (8.5 X 11 inches) to make the top half of your box. To get the correct size for your paper, make the first diagonal fold (as shown). Then fold up the excess paper and cut it off (see picture) so that you have an 8.5 X 8.5 inch square.
After making the first half of your box, get the box switch template and cut off the excess paper (on the dotted line).
Turn the template circuit-side down and make the first fold so that the diagram appears on the top.
Repeat the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFCR-0YyOEs. However, rather than folding the corners into the center, leave about 1/4 inch space between them (as pictured). This will create a slightly larger half so you top piece (made previously) can fit within it.
Make sure the end of the circuit is visible when you begin folding the corners of your box. If they are not visible, you will need to unfold the last few steps and redo them.
Your second half should look like the image pictured, with most of the circuit diagram on the inside of the box. You've now completed the most difficult part of this project!
Unfold your origami structure (the box portion using the template only)
Add copper tape to the portion labeled "Bellow Battery" Also add the magnetic tape nibs to the bottom-left portions of the diagram (as pictured)
Beginning on the magnetic nib not associated with battery placement, add another piece of copper tape.
The last piece of copper tape will be secured to the top of the battery. It may help you to add the battery first (as pictured).
Add the final piece of copper tape, beginning on top of the magnetic nib and extending to the top of the battery. Once placed, be sure to secure the battery to each connection using transparent tape. However, be sure the copper tape near the gap remains exposed so you can add your LED.
Secure LED leads to each piece of copper tape with transparent tape (taking polarity into account so positive leads correspond with the positive side of the battery).
Test the circuit by adding the paperclip on the magnetic nibs. Your LED should light. If it doesn't, check your battery and LED connections, LED polarity, and battery charge.
If it functions, remove the paperclip and refold your box.
When built, the paperclip switch should be located on the outside of the box.
Add the top portion of your box and enjoy! When you place the paperclip, your box will light. Remove it to turn turn off the light.
Click to Read What's Happening
Click to Read What's Happening
Remember that a circuit forms a complete circle around the power source. Electricity flows from one end of the power source, through the components, and back to the power source. As long as there is a complete path to and from the power source, electricity will flow. A complete path is referred to as a closed circuit. However, if a gap is ever introduced in the pathway, electricity can no longer flow and the circuit is open. A switch is a mechanism that introduces or removes a gap based on how it is positioned. Your paper fastener acts as a switch because depending on how it is positioned, it either introduces a gap (so electricity will not flow) or removes the gap (allowing the LED to light).
Challenge
Challenge
See if you can make a switch using only paperclips
Make a box that only illuminates when the lid is open and you are in a bright place (requires a photo resistor)
Make a box that illuminates when the lid is removed and you are in a dark space (requires a photo resistor and 10K resistor)
To help you complete challenges 2 and 3, you should first complete the Light and Dark Sensitive Airplane projects.
No magnetic tape? Below is an alternative approach!
No magnetic tape? Below is an alternative approach!
To create your box, see this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFCR-0YyOEs.
Use the regular piece of paper (8.5 X 11 inches) to make the top half of your box. To get the correct size for your paper, make the first diagonal fold (as shown). Then fold up the excess paper and cut it off (see picture) so that you have an 8.5 X 8.5 inch square.
Repeat the video with another piece of paper (cutting it to the correct shape): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFCR-0YyOEs. However, rather than folding the corners into the center, leave about 1/4 inch space between them (as pictured). This will create a slightly larger half so you top piece (made previously) can fit within it.
Locate one side of the box with only a fold down the center. Press the paper faster through this fold about 2/3 of the way down. Extend the prongs (see images). This fastener will act as the switch in your circuit.
Take a 1.5 inch piece of copper tape. Remove the backing on half of it. Place the tape so that it parallels your paper fastener. The tape with the backing on it should be on the right of your box (see image). It will act as a connector to your battery (similar to the Power Bracelet activity).
Add another piece of copper tape (about 1.5 inches) so that it goes underneath the paper fastener and extends to the top edge of the box, making sure there is a gap between it and the other piece of copper tape (see image).
Use transparent tape to secure your LED to both pieces of copper tape. Remember which side is positive and negative.
To avoid shorts, use transparent tape to insulate the rest of the copper wire that runs parallel to your paper fastener until you reach the flap with backing on it. Do not insulate the flap. You need it to connect the battery.
Place the battery so the bottom touches the paper fastener. Bend the flap of copper tape so that it touches the other side of the battery. Then secure the battery in place with a paperclip.
If your LED does not light, you may need to use a paperclip to secure the other prong of the paper fastener to the perpendicular piece of copper tape (as pictured).
Your LED should light. Now gently move the paper fastener so it no longer touches the battery, the LED will not light and the circuit will be open.
Troubleshoot
Is your battery facing the correct way to supply power to the LED?
Look for shorts, realizing that if the flap of copper tape used to connect the top of the battery touches any part of the bottom, a short will occur.
Ensure that your connections are secure (press the tape securing your components).
Make sure your battery is not dead.
Make sure your switch is in a position to touch the battery.
Place the lid on the box and enjoy!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse