Holiday Break Electronics Ideas (ya know, for kids!) -- The Learning Circuit Announcement

Join Karen as she shares her enthusiasm for teaching STEM subjects, gives you what you need to know to get started on electronics projects, and more.

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The holidays are quickly approaching and Karen wants to know what ideas you have for electronics projects to keep kids age 8-12 busy while they are home from school for winter break.

During the holidays, it's tempting to go out and buy another toy to keep the kids occupied. Here at element14, we like to take the DIY approach. What projects can be made from basic household items, or parts you can pick up on the cheap? Share your ideas in the comments below.

Top Comments

Parents

trocar over 7 years ago

Here are a few ideas:

Almost free batteries

* pennies from 1982 or later
* a file (to remove copper from one side of the penny)
* cardboard
* scissors to cut cardboard into squares
* lemon juice or vinegar to soak the cardboard
* electrical tape to hold the pennies in place

DIY Electronic Greeting cards

* Some scissors
* Slug tape
* LEDs
* Coin Battery
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makerkaren over 7 years ago in reply to trocar

I've never heard the term "slug tape" before. Is that aluminum or copper, clear or something else?

I ran a summer camp a couple years ago where one day we did "Batteries through Chemistry" one method was what you mentioned above, another was fruit, and the third used aluminum foil, paper towel, and activated carbon. That one was pretty neat as you could sometimes boost your voltage buy pressing down on the packs as it increased the surface area of the activated components.
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trocar over 7 years ago in reply to makerkaren

It is copper tape. You can make simple circuits with it.
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trocar over 7 years ago in reply to makerkaren

It is copper tape. You can make simple circuits with it.
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Children

makerkaren over 7 years ago in reply to trocar

Oh ok, yes. I've seen that before. Only heard it called copper tape before. Now I know what slug tape is!
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