The Dance Dance Re-Volt-ution Project
For this project, we learned how to put together circuits to make light bulbs illuminate. Once we figured this out, we started to put together dance pads that would light up when you step on a button (think of Dance Dance Revolution). We put these together with cardboard, tape, and glue, followed by a coat of paint. My team name was Frooty Booty (shake that thang!). The teacher we chose to dance for us was Nikki Hinostro, and our pad worked for the competition! Sadly, we did not win.
How Circuits Work
For a circuit to work, the electricity needs to make a complete loop. This can be achieved by putting one wire on the positive side of a battery and the light bulb and putting another wire on the negative side and the light bulb. A conductor is something that allows the electricity to flow, like a paperclip. An insulator stops the flow, like a peanut (that's the first thing that came to mind). We made our dance pads with simple wires and alligator clips. It works by putting foil on the top and bottom of the pad, attaching one wire each to the top and bottom, and when you step down on it, it starts the flow!