Circuit Stick - LED Stick

We present the Circuit Stick—a fun, hands-on way to introduce young learners to the basics of electricity and circuits! This project simplifies the traditional approach to circuit building by embedding components directly into craft sticks, making it easier and more engaging for kids to explore the magic of circuits.

With color-coded sticks and simple assembly using copper tape, children can quickly grasp the principles of how electricity flows, lighting up their creativity along the way. Perfect for classrooms, STEM workshops, or at-home activities, Stick Circuits are designed to make learning about electricity accessible, safe, and, most importantly, fun!

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create the LED Stick. You can also check out instructions for other Circuit Sticks (https://www.instructables.com/Circuit-Stick/). Whether you’re an educator, parent, or maker, this guide will help you craft a useful tool for sparking curiosity and fostering hands-on learning in young minds. Let’s get started:)

To make Circuit Sticks:

1. Wooden Craft Sticks (4 1/2 x 3/8 x 1/12 inches)
2. Black and Red Markers
3. Double-Sided Conductive Tape (1/4 inches wide)
4. Scissors (or Craft Knife)
5. LED
6. Printer to print the instruction

Tip: Use conductive fabric tape for easy reuse of the Circuit Sticks.

Use the red and black markers to color the ends of the stick. The red end represents the positive side, and the black end represents the negative side.

Bend the legs of the LED outward to the sides.

Then use the conductive tape to individually attach each leg of the LED to the stick. Refer to printed instructions for the precise length and placement of the tape.

Ensure the LED's positive leg aligns with the red-marked side of the stick and the negative leg aligns with the black-marked side.

Apply conductive tape along both sides of the stick.

Ensure each leg of the LED is connected to one side of the tape from the previous step, forming a complete circuit path.

Inspect the stick to make sure:

1. Each LED leg connects only to its respective side of the stick.
2. The conductive tapes on both sides of the stick do not overlap or touch.

Optionally, use a power supply to test the LED Stick to confirm it is working.