Introduction: Bits4Bots - Night Light Using Wood Craft Sticks | Multi-Project
Multiple projects can be designed using the BitStix Electronic Circuit Light
Introducing: Electronic Circuit Light Sticks - Where Creativity and Electronics Unite!
🚀 Ignite Young Minds with BitStix! 🚀
Are you ready to spark a love for electronics in young learners? Presenting BitStix – an innovative, hands-on approach to teaching basic electronics concepts to children in K-5th grade. Imagine combining the joy of crafting with the excitement of technology. With BitStix, learning is an adventure!
We will not go into detail for each lesson, but it is designed to provide examples and ideas for what your students can build using BitStix.
It would be our pleasure if you shared what your class makes with these electronic sticks. -Bits4Bots Team
Follow us for more cool projects and visit us at www.bits4bots.com
Supplies
Step 1: Lesson 1: Creating a Night Light
Objective: Introduce students to the concept of a night light and the use of an on/off switch.
Project:
- Introduction (15 mins): Discuss the purpose of a night light and why it's important.
- Introduce the components: LEDs, resistor, switch, and battery.
- Assembly (30 mins): Guide students to build a night light circuit using BitStix and wood craft sticks.
- Incorporate the on/off switch to control the light.
- Discussion (15 mins): Explore the importance of conserving energy by turning off lights when not needed.
- Reflect on how the switch controls the circuit activity.
Materials:
- Four+ large wood stick (any color(s))
- One BitStix
- One 2032 coin cell battery
- Just Clip It x2 circles (wheels)
Step 2: Lesson 2: Designing a Vehicle With Working Lights
Objective: Encourage creative thinking while learning about circuitry in a practical context.
Project:
- Introduction (15 mins): Discuss the role of lights in vehicles for visibility and communication.
- Explain how parallel circuits work with multiple LEDs.
- Design & Assembly (45 mins): Guide students to design a wooden craft sticks and one or two BitStix circuits.
- Assemble the design, connecting headlights and tail lights to demonstrate the application of electronic circuits.
- Presentation & Discussion (20 mins): Have students present their transportation and explain the circuitry.
- Discuss the importance of signaling lights in real vehicles. Talk about bicycle safety using lights.
Materials:
- Two large wood stick (any color(s))
- One BitStix
- One 2032 coin cell battery
- Propeller and 3V DC motor
- Wheels and axle
- Just Clip It x2 circles (wheels)
See our Wind-Powered Car project for more details.
Step 3: Lesson 3: Crafting an LED Bioluminescence Insect
Objective: Merge biology and electronics by creating an LED firefly insect model.
Project:
- Introduction (15 mins): Discuss bioluminescence in fireflies and their significance in nature.
- Introduce the concept of simulating firefly lights using LEDs.
- Crafting & Circuit Assembly (45 mins): Guide students to create a wood craft stick insect model.
- Incorporate BitStix to simulate firefly lights.
- Explanation & Connection (20 mins): Have students explain how the circuit imitates firefly bioluminescence.
- Discuss the role of light in nature and its applications.
Materials:
- One brad fastener
- One BitStix
- One 2032 coin cell battery
- Two large wood stick (any color(s))
Step 4: Lesson 4: Designing a House With Illumination
Objective: Explore architectural creativity and learn about electronic circuits.
Project:
- Introduction (15 mins): Discuss the purpose of windows in a house for light and ventilation.
- Introduce the concepts of series and parallel circuits.
- Design & Circuit Planning (30 mins): Guide students to design a wooden house model with cutout windows or doors.
- Plan design to illuminate the structure using BitStix.
- Building & Circuit Implementation (45 mins): Have students construct their house models and integrate the circuits.
- Explain the difference between series and parallel circuits.
- Presentation & Discussion (20 mins): Students present their illuminated house models and explain the circuit location choice(s).
- Discuss real-world applications of electronics and energy conservation in a home. Consider talking about solar energy.
Example:
- Lights located at the top of the structure allows illumination to flow throughout the area below.
- Lights near the bottom of the structure maybe similar to porch lighting for outdoor applications.
Materials:
- 13 large wood stick (any color(s))
- One BitStix
- One 2032 coin cell battery
- 6 Brad fasteners
- 16 Just Clip It corner pieces
Step 5: Conclusion
These structured lessons and project ideas using BitStix and wood craft sticks aim to make learning electronics enjoyable, creative, and relatable to young students. They encourage hands-on exploration while integrating STEM concepts into artistic and practical projects.
