Introduction: LED Light Cube
This simple paper LED light cube is easy to make and can be a great getting-to-know-you starter project for groups.
I used this project as an icebreaker in a camp this past summer. Giving each participant a cube template and vellum squares, I asked them to decorate the cube so it would tell a story about the things they liked. This prompt can be different based on the group or gathering.
Step 1: Materials
cube template (see attached)
11"x17" card stock (any color)
vellum, cut into 3" x 3" squares (any color)
LEDs
3V coin cell battery (CR 2032)
scissors or x-acto knife
glue stick and/or double-sided tape
markers, colored pencils, other crafting supplies, etc.
Attachments
Step 2: Preparing the Template
I prepared a template using Adobe Illustrator for a 3"x3" cube. I used a laser cutter to cut and score my card stock based on my template. Of course, you can prepare the template by hand too, using an x-acto knife.
I was using 11"x17" card stock, but this template can be scaled up or down, depending on your needs.
Step 3: Decorate & Construct
Using your craft supplies, markers, colored pencil and more, decorate your light cube! Again, this can be a good opportunity to give participants a prompt for decorating.
Once you're done decorating, start putting your cube together. I've found glue sticks or double-sided tape work best. Fold and adhere each side, one at a time, until you only have 1 side left to attach. Leave that side open, so you can add your LED.
Step 4: Add LED and Voila, You're Done!
The last step is adding the LED. In the simplest construction, just attach the LED to the coin cell battery with some tape and place it inside your cube. It will move when you move the cube, so make sure the LED is securely attached to the battery with tape otherwise it could come loose.
If you want more light, just add more LEDs.
If you want to get really creative, construct a brace inside the cube to hold the LED and battery in place, or go even further and add a gravity switch so when you flip the cube, it turns on.
Enjoy!
Step 5: EXTRA: Presenting Finished Cubes
If you're using this project as an icebreaker, have everyone present their finished cubes to the group. In my case, we had everyone introduce themselves and explain what each side of their cube represented to them. For instance, one participant drew vines around a side because she likes nature.
1 Person Made This Project!
- tmichlovitch made it!
15 Comments
5 years ago
Can you add a switch to this so that you save the battery life?
6 years ago
dood bro coin cell batterys die so quick you will have to change em everyday
Reply 6 years ago
Not true at all. I've had 3V 3032 cells last for several weeks with a 20mA LED.
6 years ago
My STEM students cant wait to make these. Thank you for the post
7 years ago
can you please share the pdf with me?please
8 years ago on Introduction
WOW!!!!!! BRILLIANT IDEA
8 years ago
How long does the battery last?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
3-4 days if you leave it on all the time.
8 years ago on Introduction
Thank you all for your comments! @watchmeflyy, I used a font called Sketch Rockwell or Sketch Block. You can download it for free on dafont.com: http://www.dafont.com/search.php?psize=m&q=Sketch+Rockwell
8 years ago
Awesome project! Sorry to go on a tangent but what is the font you used for your title image? It's really nice. :3
8 years ago on Introduction
good! Really good icebreaker!
8 years ago
Cool :)
8 years ago
So cute! Love it=)
8 years ago
wonderful efforts from kids..its nice
8 years ago on Introduction
Great project for beginners!