Guide

www.SquishyCircuits.com Page 8
An open circuit means that there is not a path for the electrons to flow. Try taking out one leg of the LED
and you’ll notice that it turns off. This is because there is no conductor for the electrons to flow through
to complete the circuit.
First time Squishy Circuit users often create short circuits when exploring. These are circuits in which the
electrons can simply bypass the LED and go through the conductive dough to close the circuit. Since no
electrons are flowing through the LED, it stays unlit. They can be fixed by separating the two pieces with
air or the white insulating dough.
Now try getting more creative with your circuits and replacing the LED with a motor or buzzer. Does
polarity matter with them also?
Applicable Vocabulary:

Closed Circuit

Open Circuit

Short Circuit

Polarity

Insulating material

Conductive material
Main Objective:
Upon completion of this activity, students will be able to construct a working ( input results in a desired
output) closed circuit using the materials provided with a Squishy Circuit kit. Students will be able to
demonstrate an understanding of a closed vs. open circuit as well as conductive and insulating materials
by completing a variety of student-led, inquiry-based experiments. They will also be able to describe the
basic flow of electricity and why there circuits are working.
Materials:

Insulating dough (roughly ¼ cup per pair of students)

Conductive dough (roughly 2 cups per pair of students)

1 battery pack with four (4) AA batteries

At least two light emitting diodes

Optional: motors, fans, buzzers, and switches

Student science journal or provided handout