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    Home » Key Stage 2 Science » Light Up Snowman – Play Dough Circuit

    Light Up Snowman – Play Dough Circuit

    January 16, 2017 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    We’ve made play dough circuits before. They are super easy and the creative opportunities almost endless, so in the absence of any real snow so far this year thought we’d make a play dough light up snowman!

    light up snowman made with play dough and LEDS

    Materials

    Play Dough

    Battery Pack:

    UK: http://amzn.to/2dS9vCj

    US: http://amzn.to/2dSberc

    LEDs

    Batteries

    Instructions

    First we refreshed our memory about circuits, by creating parallel and series circuits and testing the LEDs in both orientations (Remember current can only go through an LED one way – the longer leg needs to go in the play dough connected to the positive end of the battery pack )

    Play Dough Parallel Circuit

    The electricity is shared between each component. If one LED breaks the other will still light up.

    parallel circuit

    Play Dough Series Circuit

    The current flowing across each component is the same. If one LED breaks the others will not light as the circuit is broken.

    play dough series circuit
    Snowman Circuit

    Our snowmen are an example of a parallel circuit. How would you make a snowman? What else could you make with play dough, LEDs and a battery pack?

    We made a birthday cake a couple of years ago using a plastic cookie cutter to separate two segments of play dough so the current had to go through the LEDs to complete the circuit.

    What do you think?

    We’d love to see your play dough circuit creations, if you share on twitter, facebook or instagram don’t forget to tag us @ScienceSparks.

    If you liked this, you might also like our light up street!

    Last Updated on May 14, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « How to make a multicoloured volcano
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    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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