an ‘electric’ day – squishy circuits, solar power and deconstruction
Yesterday, I had a day with just my eldest son, and we made it an ‘electric’ day.
We tried making squishy circuits. These clever researchers have been using playdough to make playing with circuits more accessible to young children. There are very good instructions at the website for making the playdough (2 types conducting and insulating) and setting up different circuits.
Once we got one bulb to light up, we tried to light up two bulbs – unfortunately we did not have enough battery power.
My husband has instructions to get a bigger battery box today, because I think there is a lot more fun to be had with the idea of squishy circuits.
When I picked up the LEDs for squishy circuits, I also picked-up this little solar-powered grasshopper. When you put him in the sun he hops around.
My son had fun putting him in different places and shading him with leaves, his own shadow and so on.
And we also fitted some deconstruction into our day …
Once the hard drive had been taken apart, I let my son use the hot glue gun to make something new.
We tried making squishy circuits. These clever researchers have been using playdough to make playing with circuits more accessible to young children. There are very good instructions at the website for making the playdough (2 types conducting and insulating) and setting up different circuits.
Once we got one bulb to light up, we tried to light up two bulbs – unfortunately we did not have enough battery power.
My husband has instructions to get a bigger battery box today, because I think there is a lot more fun to be had with the idea of squishy circuits.
When I picked up the LEDs for squishy circuits, I also picked-up this little solar-powered grasshopper. When you put him in the sun he hops around.
My son had fun putting him in different places and shading him with leaves, his own shadow and so on.
And we also fitted some deconstruction into our day …
Once the hard drive had been taken apart, I let my son use the hot glue gun to make something new.
Comments
So, for Australian readers, I got all the components from Jaycar Electronics. They have mail order, but you might need to get sent or collect a catalogue to do that. That is also where I bought the solar bug. They have a lot of other great solar toys as well. You need a battery case for 4 AAs, LEDs (mine were 5 mm, red is the cheapest colour). It would also be good to get a little motor or a buzzer to try.