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Copper tape is the go-to tool for making paper circuits. There are alternatives to it though. Here are two that can be used to circuits on paper: Circuit Scribe Pen This pen is filled with conductive silver ink. It has a rollerball tip that dispenses the ink smoothly. You can draw the circuits and attach […]

Don’t know what automata is? You aren’t the only one. Automata are mechanical devices that are made to look like they are moving on their own. Here are some examples . Automata are interesting to watch, but they also have a practical purpose. They provide an introduction to simple machines and mechanisms like gears, cranks, cams,

Tape is an easy and safe tool for people of all ages to use for building. It is great for quick prototyping, works on various surfaces, and can be either temporary or permanent. Lots of finished projects utilize tape in some manner, as a way to adhere to things to each other, to cover a

Batteries can be set up in series and in parallel just like LEDs. If you want to experiment with it, use these examples to get started. They both use two 3 Volt batteries but the way the batteries deliver power is different: Batteries in Series To set up batteries in series, connect the negative of

This inchworm is a fun starter project for anyone interested in learning about robotics but they don’t know where to start. It is a simplified version of the Inchworm robot design found on the MakeCode for micro:bit site. Directions Electronic Parts Other Parts and Supplies Step 1: Shape and Decorate the Cardboard Step 2: Attach

Here is an easy and fun way to make a buzzing bee. This bee is a variation of the “Pipe Cleaner Bugs” found on page 16 of the book Usborne Activities 365 Things to Make and Do. I have added a vibration motor to the bottom of the bug to make it have some bee-like behavior.

Most kids don’t spend time worrying about how we get electricity. As long as they can charge their cell phones, keep their televisions running, and microwave a hot pocket when they get hungry, they happily ignore it. They study electricity in school and do some of the standard experiments like connecting snap-together circuits and seeing

Adding LEDs to an origami frog is a fun way to learn some electronics. The frog is an easy origami pattern. Adding the LEDs is a little more complicated, and I would recommend it for anyone over 11 years old, although younger kids could do it with help from an adult. I found the original