Use electricity to create a fun and challenging game. Introduce kids to electrical circuits with this simple circuit STEM activity they will love.
This circuit game is a great way to introduce children to electrical circuits. Build a track and a loop then move the loop along the wire track. If the loop hits the track the light will illuminate. Can you make it along the entire track without light turning on? Check out the step by step instructions below.
Supplies for Electric Circuit Game
- 6 in piece Jewelry Wire
- 4 inch piece Jewelry Wire
- Styrofoam- (I used a dollar store pool noodle cut into pieces)
- Pre-wired LED bit-lite
- 3v button battery
- Wire stripper or scissors for stripping
- Electrical Tape
- Jewelry tools (optional)
Build the Base of the Circuit Game
The first step is to make a loop at the end of the 4 inch piece of jewelry wire. The smaller the loop the more challenging the game will be. I used about an inch and a half to create the loop. Whatever size loop you make be sure to have a good portion of wire that remains straight. This is the part you will hold while playing the game.
Then turn and twist the 6 inch piece into a roller coaster track shape. The twistier the wire the more challenging the game will be to complete successfully. When the 6 inch wire is how you would like it put the loop of the 4 inch wire around the long piece and stick both sides of the long wire into the Styrofoam as pictured.
Next poke a hole in the center of the foam and stick the bit-lite wires through the foam so the light partially sticks out the center of the foam. I found a pack of bit-lites on Amazon, click here to see the current price.
How to Wire the Electrical Circuits
You are now ready to start creating the electrical circuits. Start by cutting one of the wires so about 2 inches remain and strip it so that about 1/4 inch is exposed. Using the electrical tape connect the short piece of wire to the positive side of the battery.
Take the wire you removed and strip both ends. Then connect one side of the removed wire to the negative side of the battery then wrap the other end around one end of the long piece of jewelry wire that is sticking out the bottom of the foam. Tape the battery securely to the bottom of the foam. Ensure that the wire is tightly secured to both the battery and the end of the jewelry wire.
Finally, turn the game over attach the remaining wire from the LED bit-lite to the end of the loop using the electrical tape. (In my example it is the yellow wire)
After everything is put together test the game. If wired correctly when the loop touches the long loopy wire the light will come on.
