Squishy Circuit Craft

This is a fun electronics craft that can be done at home. Ages 5-12, but must be supervised by an adult.

The list of materials are:

1. Squishy dough made following this recipe:

   http://courseweb.stthomas.edu/apthomas/SquishyCirc...

2. 10inch x 5inch piece of cardboard
3. 2 x LEDs
4. 3 x AA batteries
5. Conductive duct tape used for air ducts
6. 3 x rubber bands

The list of tools are:

1. Scissors to cut the duct tape
2. Knife to cut the cardboard
3. Voltmeter (optional)

Warning the cardboard needs to be cut with a knife, this should be done by the supervising adult.

Cut a piece of cardboard about 10 inches x 5 inches.

Using the scissors cut 2 strips about 1/2 an inch wide by 2 feet long

Trace the outline of 2 AAs on your board on the left side.

Adult: Using the knife, cut 2 flaps for each AA. These flaps will be used to connect to the battery.

Warning: Be extra special careful with the knife as the cardboard can give way when you least expect it.

Place the strip of tape on the inside of the flap so that the conductive side will connect with the batter. Do not cut the tape when you turn a corner, fold it back, and then over on itself at a 45 degree angle. This will maintain electrical continuity.

2 x AAs is not quite enough power when you add in the resistance provided by the squishy dough.

Cut a piece of tape about 1 foot long with a large ending square.

Apply the tape for the 3rd AA and turn it again.

Place your batteries in series with the positive of one battery connected to the negative of the next battery.

Wrap a rubber band twice around each battery.

Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage of your circuit. It should be (depending on the power of your AAs) around 4.5 V.

Add the squishy dough to bridge the gap in the circuit.

Place your LED in the circuit and make sure it lights before we connect it permanently.

This step will permanently place the LED on your circuit board. Since the squishy dough is bridging the gap, the LED should light.

Its nice to have 2 in case your squishy dough monster needs eyes

Now create an animal out of squishy dough and place it on the gap, your LEDs should light up!