Skip to content

Week 1

Dolphin and Water Circuit

For this activity, I created an interactive dolphin model that lights up when it touches the water. This simple electronics project helps students understand basic circuits and conductivity in a fun and engaging way. The project consists of a dolphin and a water shape, which I designed and cut using a laser cutter. The dolphin’s eye lights up when it comes into contact with the water, demonstrating a closed electrical circuit.

Electronic Components Used

  • 3V Coin Cell Battery: Provides power for the circuit.

  • LED (Light-Emitting Diode): Used as the dolphin’s eye, which lights up when the circuit is completed. Conductive Vinyl – Used to create the conductive path for the circuit.

  • Wires – Connect the battery and LED.
  • Soldering Materials – Used to attach the LED securely.

Process

I first designed and laser-cut the shapes of the dolphin and the water from paper.

Using a vinyl cutter, I cut the conductive parts needed for the circuit.

I soldered the LED to the circuit, ensuring that the positive and negative connections were correctly placed. The dolphin and water were arranged in such a way that when the dolphin touches the water, the circuit closes, allowing electricity to flow and the LED to light up.

Reflections

What are the challenges of using electronics in your space? How can you design an activity using electronics that takes into accounts your children age and cultural backgrounds?

Some challenges of using electronics in my space include limited access to advanced tools, the need for careful supervision when working with younger children, and ensuring safety with components like batteries, wires, and soldering materials. Lessons are only 40 minutes long, so activities need to be straightforward. Additionally, introducing electronics requires simplifying complex concepts so that they are understandable for different age groups.When designing activities like the Dolphin and Water Circuit, I take into account children’s ages by keeping the circuit simple and safe - using low-voltage batteries and easy-to-handle materials. To make this activity suitable for different age groups and backgrounds, I focused on: The circuit is easy to assemble and understand,water and dolphins are familiar and engaging themes for students,students can interact with the model, making the learning experience more meaningful.

Explain one successful educational activity in which you collaborated with other educators. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working with other educators? What are the main aspects to take into account to prepare an education activity among 2 or more educators?

I created a cell model as part of a biology class, during which I also collaborated with an art teacher. She helped with her advice on designing the cell model and choosing the right color combination. Before this project, I had never thought about colors or how to use colors to increase students’ attention and interest. Working with an art teacher helped me better understand which colors would look best and would go well together.

Advantages of working with other educators: Different perspectives lead to richer, more creative activities. Sharing responsibilities makes the project more manageable. Students experience learning in an interdisciplinary and more engaging way. Planning takes more time because schedules must align and sometimes ideas and teaching styles can be different.

Main aspects; 1.Clear communication and shared goals are essential. 2.Plan roles and tasks for each educator early. 3.Keep the activities simple and flexible to adapt to both subjects and student needs.

How could you integrate both culturally reflective learning and digital fabrication in your environment? Could you come up with some project ideas using digital fabrication in which cultural diversity of students is highlighted?

To integrate culturally reflective learning and digital fabrication, I would create projects that allow students to explore and express their cultural backgrounds through hands-on making. Thats can be-

Designing traditional patterns and symbols: Students could use laser cutters or vinyl cutters to create keychains, jewelry, or wall art with traditional Armenian designs or symbols from their own cultures.

Creating storytelling boxes: Students could design and build small boxes with digital fabrication tools, decorating them with elements from folk tales, legends, or family stories.

Cultural monuments models: Students could recreate famous cultural landmarks (like Armenian monasteries or other world heritage sites) using 3D printing or laser cutting, learning both history and fabrication skills at the same time.

Through these kinds of projects, students would not only learn digital fabrication techniques but also celebrate their own heritage and the diversity within their classroom.