My sensory kiddo is definitely a seeker, and he seeks sensory input in any way he can. The louder the noise or the brighter the light, the better! Lately, we’ve been finding new ways that he can create and manipulate lights, and it’s been a win-win. I get a complete STEM-based homeschool lesson, and he gets an activity that meets his sensory needs while being interesting and fun! If your kids love things that light up, they will adore taking some time to create a light-up flower using a Squishy Circuits kit. This simple STEAM project is a favorite with kids of all ages, and the simple light up design will inspire your kids to create all manner of light-up designs that will far exceed your expectations!
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Create a Light-Up Flower: Squishy Circuit Engineering for Kids
We love using Squishy Circuit kits to make all sorts of fun light up STEAM projects. We’ve made robots, rainbows, and even penguins! I love how simple these kids make it to help my kids engage so many different parts of their brain. They love creating new designs, and I love that they’re including science, technology, engineering, and math into their creative play!
What you’ll need for the light-up flower:
The secret to getting a circuit to work properly is to complete the circuit and allow the flow of electricity to move from one side of the battery to the other. Squishy Circuits uses the conductivity of play dough to complete the circuit. However, if the two sides of the circuits aren’t separated, the lights won’t turn on.
The key to getting the flower to work properly is to keep the petals separated with modeling clay, which is insulating and not conductive.
After keeping the petals separated, stick an LED light across the center of the flower into two petals. Stick the black wand in the same petal as the short wire and the red wand in the same petal as the long wire.
Flip the switch and watch the flower light up!
Kids will be fascinated by this activity and will try making dozens of other designs with the dough, which should be encouraged!
What Kids Learn in the Light-Up Flower Activity
What I love about Squishy Circuits is that it gets young children interested in electrical engineering who might otherwise never be interested in the subject. The kids learn to connect art with science and technology, which is what a STEAM project is all about!
Looking for more STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) projects and inspiration?
Looking for some more STEAM inspiration that use can use right now? Instant gratification style? Check out STEAM Kids: 50+ Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math Hands-On Projects for Kids ebook! It’s packed full of a year’s worth fun learning activities that will wow the boredom right out of your kids.
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