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    Home » Cardboard Circuits

    Cardboard Circuits

    May 14, 2021 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Making circuits is great fun for kids of all ages. If you have little ones try play dough circuits. I’ve used these with children as young as 4 ( supervised of course ) and older children will love making art bots or light up houses, or even a whole mini street.

    These cardboard circuits are made using a sheet of thick cardboard, split pins and paper clips.

    Cardboard Circuits

    You’ll need:

    A thick sheet of cardboard

    AA battery holder with leads

    Small screw light bulb and holder

    Metal paperclips

    Split pins

    Masking tape

    Pens for decoration

    How to make a cardboard circuit

    Draw a picture on one side of the cardboard.

    Decide where you want the lightbulb to go and plan your circuit on the back of the sheet of card. We attached the wire from one terminal of the battery to one contact of the light bulb and a paperclip to the other contact.

    I opened up the paperclips, but you can just loop them around the split pins without doing that.

    Use masking tape to secure the wires.

    Test your circuit.

    If it doesn’t work check, for gaps in the circuit.

    The wires, paperclips, split pins and bulb link one end of the battery to another to make a circuit.

    Electricity flows around a complete circuit. If you break the circuit the electricity can’t flow and the bulb will go out.

    Light switches work by completing a circuit when switched on and breaking a circuit to turn the light off.

    Cardboard Circuit Challenge

    Can you add a switch? Perhaps a paperclip that you can move in and out of place?

    Our next task is to try using copper tape instead of paper clips and split pins.

    Image of. circuit on a sheet of cardboard.
    Cardboard Circuits

    More creative circuit ideas for kids

    Make an Art Bot – these are brilliant fun and something we make again and again.

    This homemade torch is easy to make and can be used in lots of different ways. We made a smaller version to use as a head torch as well.

    Materials for a DIY Head torch
    DIY Torch

    I LOVE these Harry Potter wands from STEAM Powered Family too!

    Learn about static electricity with my jumping frogs!

    A paper frog jumping up to a blue balloon using static electricity

    What is Electricity?

    Electricity is a kind of energy. We use electrical appliances to turn electricity into other kinds of energy such as light ( lightbulbs ), heat ( electric heater, toaster or iron ) and sound ( radio ).

    Most of the electricity we use at home comes from power stations which convert the energy in fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas into electricity.

    Some power stations use renewable energy sources such as wind, sunlight, and moving water.

    Electricity in the home is called mains electricity which can be very dangerous. Electricity from a small battery like you use in toys is different and safe to use for this type of activity.

    Electricity is not stored in a battery, it is created when the chemicals inside react with each other.

    Once the chemicals have all reacted the power of the battery is used up.

    What conducts electricity?

    Metals are good conductors of electricity so wires tend to be made from copper, which is also soft allowing it to be stretched thin without snapping or breaking.

    Wires are coated in plastic which does NOT conduct electricity, this stops people getting electric shocks from the electricity travelling through the wires.

    Last Updated on May 14, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « How much does the Earth weigh?
    How to Make an Art Bot (Scribble Bot) »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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