12/2 Circuitry

For the circuitry project I worked with Darien to create a 3D project that used origami and paper mache.

1. The first step was using paper mache to build the lighthouse. Using cardboard, newspaper and other found materials we created the structure.

2. Then we made the origami boat and painted it to give it a little more detail. 

3. We also painted the lighthouse to make it look more like a lighthouse. 

4. Then we looked at the different circuit pattern worksheets and tried to figure out how to make a circuit. We decided to use the simplest template and play around with the different pieces to try and plan out how we were going to go about this. 

We decided to use the copper tape, an LED light and two batteries. We realized the longer end of the LED light needed to connect to the positive side of the battery in order to light up. We decided to cut small pieces of copper tape and use the batteries to try and test out what did and didn't work before deciding on our next step. 

5. We then decided we wanted the LED light to be at the top of the lighthouse and have the boat somehow come into the scene and make the light turn on. Since lighthouses use their light to guide boats. We decided to use the blue construction paper as a sort of water like base and glue that down to the cardboard so it could be sturdier. We then glued the lighthouse down to the paper to keep it in place. Then we ran the copper tape up the lighthouse, made a spot for the light, and ran the other copper tape down the lighthouse. 

6. We taped the LED light and made sure that it connected to both pieces of copper tape. 

7. We then placed the batteries down to see what made the light turn on. We realized we needed the batteries to touch for this to happen. We taped one battery down to the copper tape. 

8. The second battery we glued to the boat so that the boat become the controller. The positive side is glued to the boat so that the negative side can make contact to the other battery, which is positive side up. 

9. We then tested out if what we did was successful and it was! When the battery at the bottom of the boat makes contact with the copper tape and the other battery the lighthouse lights up.