It's All a Process

This week we explored more in-depth the concept of circuits. Through the creation of squishy circuits, we discussed conductive versus insulating materials, open and closed circuits, and short circuits. This last topic can be demonstrated by touching the two pieces of conductive dough and watching the LED that was previous lit go out.

Students built their own squishy creations with LEDs, motors and piezo buzzers. They took some photos and video of their creations for documentation purposes, some of which should make it to a blog entry soon.

Project ideas began to surface in conversation, so I asked them to complete a simple project brainstorm in preparation for today's class. Each student is asked to select an individual project, but students can work together on like projects.

Here are some of the ideas that came forth today:

• Arduino controlled motorized “row” boat
  
• Motorized vehicle with camera
  
• Arduino robot (most likely the boe-bot kit from parallax)
  
• RC Airboat
  
• LED light cube
  
• Trebuchet
• RC hover craft
  

I have ordered some of the parts we need, and look forward to the coming weeks.