Squishy Circuits

*WARNING! To avoid burning out the LEDs, do not attach LED lights directly to battery!

Included Materials

1 Play-doh

4 LEDS

1 battery

2 Alligator clips

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Start Here!

Begin with two lumps of the Play-Doh. Attach one alligator clip to the positive side of the battery, and plug the other end of the same alligator clip into a lump of Play-Doh.

Repeat with another alligator clip and a different lump of Play-Doh on the negative end of the battery. Bridge the gap with an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

Does the LED light up?

Yes

Next, pull one of the LED legs out of the dough.

Does the LED light up?

Yes

Put the LED leg back in, so your LED is on. Now, push the two pieces of conductive dough together so they touch.

Does the LED light up?

Yes

How can you add another LED to the circuit? Try placing another LED parallel to the original one.

Remember to make sure the two lumps of Play-Doh from step 3 are not touching!

Does the LED light up?

Yes

Create a circuit that includes two LEDs and Play-Doh similar to the model below. Remember that the longer LED leg must be attached to the positive side! Remember to make sure the two lumps of Play-Doh from step 3 are not touching!

If one LED is removed, does the other LED light up?

Yes

Explore!

What else can you make with the dough, LEDs, battery, and wires?

Try and create an animal with glowing eyes or a car with LED lights!