Spooky Bats With Glowing LED Eyes

A relatively quick (approx 1 1/2 hours) and easy Halloween circuit project using LEDs, coin batteries, and copper conductive tape.

65lb black card stock, 3 volt LEDs (X2), 3-volt coin batteries (X2), copper conductive tape, bat template, hobby knife, scissors, hot glue gun, double-sided tape, black electrical tape, White card stock for bat template. I used 65lb stock for this as well because it would survive making multiple bats.

I went online and searched for a bat template and discovered there were many to chose from. I used a 10-inch template found here. https://pjsandpaint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Bat-Template_10inch.pdf I wanted a fairly large bat so that the LEDs didn't seem too large for the head of the bat. Print the PDF bat onto white, 25 lb card stock and then cut out your template

After cutting out your template, use double-sided tape to attach the template to your black card stock. This will prevent slippage while outlining your bat. I used a white colored pencil to trace the outline. You're now ready to cut out your bat!

After cutting out your bat, using the pencil (again I used the white colored pencil) and place dots where the eyes of the bat will be. Using a hobby knife, cut an "X" or "cross" in this location of the eye dots that you will slide the LED posts through. Once you have the LEDs in place and you are sure that the positive and negative posts are orientated for the series circuit. Refer to the attached diagram in Step 4 if you are not sure about this step. Using a hot glue gun secure the LEDs to the bat and allow them to cool for a firm attachment. Once the LEDs have set, bend the posts downward at a 90-degree angle and then spread the post as indicated in the image.

I began by using a modified layout as shown here and available as a PDF online at several locations. The Particular layout I used came from Makerspaces.Com. Begin laying your circuit by removing a portion of the backing from the conductive tape and adhering it to the surface. Continuing laying out the tape until you are ready to make your first 90 degrees turn towards the top. Continue towards the top and stop below the first LED Post. Cut the tape. Now cut a smaller segment of conductive tape for the next two posts in the series. Make sure that this segment does touch the first segment of the circuit or the last.

Starting just below the outside post, start your next run of conductive tape towards the bottom where we began. Find a bit of scrap card stock and cut a small tab. Apply the remaining tape on both sides of the tab in a continuous strip. This will act as a hinged switch to complete the circuit. Using any remaining tape, adhere the posts to the conductive surface as indicated in image 2.

Using a narrow strip of electrical tape, assemble the two batteries as indicated in the image with both positive sides facing up. Lay your battery's negative side down onto the conductive tape and press the tab onto the positive side. You should have a completed circuit. If your bat's eyes do not light, press the posts and tape down a little more until both eyes light.

This is a fun way to teach kiddos about circuits and electricity. This activity takes approx an hour and a half and is suitable for ages 7 and up if the younger ones have adult help. Happy Halloween and Happy Making!