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Oct 19th, 2022
Learn about Scrappy Circuits
By:
Fluxspace
🎓 Grade Level —
2-5
⌛ Time to Read —
4 min
📥 Includes —
Overview, Guide
Materials
How To?
PDF

Learn about Scrappy Circuits

AI Summary:

Scrappy Circuits is a cost-effective and accessible educational tool designed to introduce learners to basic electrical circuitry, developed by educators including Michael Carroll of the Abington School District. With materials costing less than one dollar per participant, students can construct simple circuits using everyday items. The initial activity involves attaching an LED to cardboard using binder clips, positioning a battery to complete the circuit, and observing the illumination of the LED—emphasizing the importance of correctly aligning positive and negative terminals. This foundational exercise encourages further exploration and innovation using readily available materials.

Scrappy Circuits is an innovative and scrappy way to learn about electrical circuits for less than $1 per person, developed by a great team of teachers and inventors including Michael Carroll from local Abington School District. Follow this guide to get started with your very first circuit, and then explore different materials you have in your classroom or at home to build new unique circuits of your own!


PDF Content:

How to Make a Scrappy Circuit
  1. Place the LED light on top of a piece of cardboard.
  2. Use binder clips to pin down the legs of the LED.
  3. Flip the cardboard over so you can see the back.
  4. Fold down the clip connected to the positive leg of the LED.
  5. Place a battery on top of the folded clip and fold down the other clip to hold the battery in place.
  6. Flip your circuit back over and watch the LED light up!

Tip: Be sure to keep track of which side of the LED is positive and which is negative—the circuit won’t work if they’re switched!

Project Examples

Have a solution to this challenge you want to share? Take a photo or video of your prototype, post it on social media, and don’t forget to tag us @fluxspace_io

Citations
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