Instructions

 
CURRENT FLOW:
As you play, imagine that there is a current that will ow along your
circuit, from the Start Token (+) to the Finish Token (–). Your challenge
is to channel this current so that it lights up the designated Beacons.
Power Supply
BEACONS:
Each Beacon contains a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that glows when
current ows through it in the proper direction. Direction is important:
Along with producing light, LEDs are one-way electrical valves, they
allow current to ow in one direction but not in the other direction.
As shown in the following diagram: Current ows out of the Start
Token (+), into the (+) side of the LED, lights the Beacon and ows out
the (–) side of the LED, then on to the Finish Token (–).
LED Beacon oriented with current ow
As shown in the following diagram: If the LED Beacon is reversed so
that the (–) side faces the Start Token (+), the LED valve closes and
current does not ow through the LED. The Beacon stays dark.
LED Beacon oriented against current ow
RESISTORS:
Each Beacon also contains a resistor that reduces the ow of current.
Resistors are included to protect the LEDs from electrical damage
caused by too strong current and also to protect the metal strips from
heating up and draining the batteries.
CIRCUITS:
There are several dierent types of circuits that you will encounter in
Circuit Maze. You will want to learn about these to get good at solving
our challenges. The descriptions and diagrams that follow show
several Circuit Maze elements. With the exception of short circuits, the
challenges will have variations and combinations of these elements.
CLOSED CIRCUIT:
This is the simplest circuit – a pathway of metal strips from the (+)
end of the Power Supply, through a single Beacon (LED/resistor),
then on to the (–) end of the Power Supply.
Closed Circuit – 1 Beacon will light
Extension wire to negative
(–) end of Power Supply
Battery
Pack