What is a circuit and how does it shape the world we live in? Students in David Liechty’s 5th Grade science classes at Springer Elementary recently completed a week-long study on practical applications of circuits using mini circuit boards (called MakeyMakeys) that connect via USB to classroom computers. Each day students worked in pairs to gain in-depth experience by covering topics such as conductivity, insulators, input and output, and series and parallel circuits.
The hands on investigations included experiments such as: “Can a banana complete a circuit?” in which students attached electrical wires to a banana to activate a drum machine, “The 21 person circuit challenge” in which a working circuit was completed when all students gave each other a simultaneous hi-five, and “Dance Dance Revolution Gamepad” in which students created a working dance pad that controlled the popular video game using only the conductive properties of pencil lead and notecards.
Additionally, the weeklong experience has sparked the imagination of a handful of students to want to grow deeper in their understanding of Science, Math, Technology and software coding. As a result, an impromptu club has been set up for select students to learn the basics of software cause and effect with online programs. This has in turn inspired other students to be a part of this organic learning experience. The club has seen growth as others want to participate in something which creates an enjoyable tangible product such as a video game or animation. “I want to do this when I grow up, this is fun!” Caleb Rodriguez said of the exploratory project. Students will have opportunities to showcase their computer programs and interactive circuit demonstrations this year at the upcoming RISD Digital Media Fair.
