Circuit Walk Electron Activity + Learn Concepts of Electronics + STEM/STEAM

This Instructable is for the "motor" in a circuit walk activity. For the activity, students draw a circuit on the floor (with masking tape) and follow the circuit through various components, turning this motor as they pass through it. I'll post activity details in the future. It is a fun, active, hands-on way to discuss electric circuits.

Most of this can be found at your local hardware store or your garage. But if you need to order stuff, I've saved you an hour of shopping by providing links :) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

SUPPLIES

(3) 21.5" pieces of pool noodle

(3) 21.5" pieces of 1/2" PVC pipe [Amazon]

(1) 2 Gallon bucket [Amazon]

(~10 pounds) Concrete mix (about a gallon) [Amazon]

Water to mix concrete (follow bag mix ratio)

(1) 3D printed hub for the arms to attach to [File on Thingiverse]

(1) Optional cap for the hub (3D printed or cut from EVA foam)

(1) 28" piece of 1-1/4" PVC pipe [Amazon]

(1) 11" piece of 1-1/2" PVC pipe [Amazon]

(1) 5" piece 1-1/4" wooden dowel [Amazon]

(1) 3" screw [Amazon]

(2) 3/16 x 1-1/4" fender washers [Amazon]

(1) Glue for plastic (Gorilla Glue or hot glue works) [Amazon]

(1) Roll of Tape, Packing, duct, or masking [Amazon]

TOOLS

Saw to cut slots in arms (hacksaw or jigsaw) [Amazon]

Drill [Amazon]

1/8 drill bit [Amazon]

Screw bit to fit screw head [Amazon]

OPTIONAL Clamps for gluing on cap to hub [Amazon]

FILES

Hub and Cap [Thingiverse]

Activity Guide (Coming Soon...)

• This is a big print so start it a day or two before needed, in case you need to reprint it.
• You can make a cap with your own logo, or a different color.

• Cover the bottom of the 11" piece of pipe with tape to keep out the concrete.
• In the bucket, mix ~10 pounds of concrete mix with required water (not too much!) and stir thoroughly
• Stick the pipe in the center, all the way to the bottom. Hold it in place with a piece of tape going over the bucket and top of pipe.
• Leave it to harden overnight.

• Drill a pilot hole into the center of the end of the dowel with the 1/8" drill bit
• Put a fender washer on the screw, then the hub, then another fender washer, and then screw into the dowel. The fender washers add strength to the plastic and prevent wear from use.
• Glue the cap on top of the hub to cover the screw. Clamp it. Looks nice and tidy!

• Cut 1-1/2" slot in one end of each pipe. This is to give it some springiness when it is inserted into the hub. Be careful!
• Slip the pool noodle over the PVC arms.
• Leave a 1-1/2" of just foam at the end to protect kids from the rough end of the pipe.
• Mine fit tight so I didn't use any adhesive, but duct tape / hot glue should help if needed.

• Insert the arms into the hub, tight enough that they stay in during use.

• Insert 28" pipe into the base pipe. If too loose, add tape to the sides of the pipe. It should be snug enough to stay put during use, but easy to remove.

The students become electrons.

Coming soon...