Right at the beginning of school our EAST teacher, Mrs. Graddy, contacted me and Riley Dodd about doing some work for Mrs. Hutchinson’s environmental science class. The project was to complete 4-5 circuit boards in order for the elementary kids to learn how circuits work through very simple and cost efficient methods. This idea came to be from a workshop Mrs. Graddy attended through the summer which explained the whole project.
First off, we ordered all of the parts that we needed for the circuit boards to function properly. Of course we needed batteries to power the whole operation as well as switches to show how the power goes through the circuit and powers a light bulb, buzzer, computer fan, etc. But we also needed some odds and ends as well. A hand crank generator makes powering some of the bigger pieces easier, as well as alligator clips so the power would run from piece to piece. Mr. Carter from the technology department gave us some computer fans so the kids could actually see some pieces moving.
Once we got all of the parts in we started tinkering, or attempt to repair or improve, the circuit boards. We made a couple boards with simple light bulbs with just one switch on the circuit going from the battery pack to the light bulb. We have also made some more complex ones with 2 switches and often a buzzer, light bulb, and electric motor to power the donated computer fans.
Finally after we had all of the circuits complete we had an interview with Mrs. Hutchinson to let her voice her opinion on the project for the elementary kids. As you see in the video she is very excited about the project and how it will teach the kids as well as possibly open up job ideas in the future.