Introduction: 3D Crocodile/lion Puzzle

This is a fun way for children and their parents to create a 3d character whilst getting some basic circuitry skills. The pieces are laser cut on cardboard so kids can paint them. Enjoy!

Step 1: Materials

You will need to laser cut on cardboard the designs of the crocodile and lion head for this project. You can also hand cut the forms on the cardboard although it will be more difficult.

materials:
- cardboard
- 2 LEDs
- copper tape
- 1 4V battery
- solder
- solder iron
- paint

Step 2: Place Copper Tape

The first thing to do is make the circuitry with copper tape. You need to get the tape position exactly at the same heights of each piece of cardboard in order for them to connect when the animal is assembled.
First, tape the crocodile's mouth as the drawing shows allowing a nice space for the LEDs to make contact. Repeat this process with both sides; they should be exactly the same.
Lastly, place the copper tape as the photo shows for the lions head. Go all the way inside with the copper tape through the gap for the battery. This will ensure contact and hence a good connection through the pressure between the battery and the hole with copper tape.
Look at the photo of the assembles crocodile pieces and the lion's head. The copper tape should be perfectly aligned.
Place the battery through the lion head shape.

Step 3: Place LEDs

Place LEDs on the crocodile's cardboard shapes. Insert them through the nose hole and push them into the copper tape through the other side. Try securing them with masking tape first and be sure to be testing the connections with the pieces of cardboard assembled. If something does not match up, just take the copper tape and re tape in such a position that everything is aligning perfectly. Once everything matches up you can start soldering.
Solder the LEDs legs to the copper tape as shown on the photo. Make sure to test which parts of the legs should conduct negative and positive current. repeat this step for both of the crocodile's shapes and make sure they are exactly the same. 
Test the connections and sides before soldering anything.

Step 4: Paint and Assemble!

By now your crocodile/lion should be working and just steps away from coming alive with paint! Check the photo to see a reference of how should look by this stage. Now you are ready to paint!
Paint each piece of cardboard separately and make sure they are dry before assembling together again.
I painted with acrylic and some glow in the dark paint. ENjoy!!!