Squishy and Scribbling Circuits
First grade STEM started with one of my favorite units: electricity and circuits. We started with this guiding question: "How does an electric circuit work?" To further understand circuits, we had to manipulate with real electronics. If your learner is ready for more circuits, there are some extension kits and suggestions at the bottom of this post. Also, learning electronics never ends, we will be learning about how to make batteries in a later unit.
Everything always starts with a battery, and noticing where the wires touch and connect. Together we explored 3 different types of batteries: button cell batteries, 9-volt batteries, and AA batteries (with and without holders). Then we explored how to connect to a light bulb holder, and where on a lightbulb to touch the wires to create a working circuit. Of course the two finale project were a huge hit: squishy circuits and scribble bots. Learners demonstrated their understanding of circuits and manipulated with insulators, conductors, multiple light bulbs, and different circuit configurations.
Our squishy circuits exploration originated from this TED video: https://youtu.be/5M3Dow20KlM and https://squishycircuits.com/recipes/
Making electronic dough can result in turning your kitchen into a lab space. After you make and play with your dough, be sure to store it in an air-tight container. Investigate with your dough right away. Be warned, sugary dough in a container with a bit of moisture and heat, will eventually result in moldy dough, so make a tiny bit at a time and use it that weekend!
Our scribble robots are best explained by this Bristol Science Center video, however, we've been making scribble bots for years since they started teaching with them at the Exploratorium. https://youtu.be/IVrfcTPSzyo
Extensions
- Paper Circuits - using copper tape (Tinkering Studio, Exploratorium) https://tinkering.exploratorium.edu/paper-circuits
- Circuit Scribe - using conductive ink https://www.circuitscribe.com/
- Snap Circuits http://www.snapcircuits.net/
- Wearable circuits - using conductive thread https://www.adafruit.com/product/603
- Little Bits - if Legos had electronics http://littlebits.cc/
- Makey Makey - turn everything into an electronic game pad https://www.makeymakey.com/
