This project helps students learn the fundamental elements of an electrical circuit through creating an interactive wire loop buzzer game. As the students go through the different steps in assembling the game, they gain familiarity with common electrical hand tools.
The game involves guiding a metal loop along a serpentine length of wire without touching the loop to the wire. The loop and wire are connected to a power source and a buzzer such that, if they touch, they form a closed electric circuit and set-off the buzzer. This project was submitted by Rene Ragetli.
The game involves guiding a metal loop along a serpentine length of wire without touching the loop to the wire. The loop and wire are connected to a power source and a buzzer such that, if they touch, they form a closed electric circuit and set-off the buzzer. This project was submitted by Rene Ragetli.
Tools & Materials
Material List
- 1 pc of 1” x 4” Common Fir or Equivalent 20cm in length
- 1 pc of ¾” dowel 10 cm in length
- 1 pc of 12 gauge solid copper wire 40 cm in length
- 1 pc of 14 gauge solid copper wire 10 cm in length
- 3x Alligator Test Leads or 4 x 35 mm Alligator Clips
- 9V battery
- 9V Battery Clip
- Buzzer
- Fine Electrical Solder (optional)
Tool list
- Tape Measure
- Small Hand Saw
- Cordless Drill & 1/8" Drill Bit
- Linesman Pliers
- Wire Stripper
- Soldering Iron (optional)
Procedure
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Measure and Cut a piece of 1x4. This will be the base.
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Measure and Mark the location for two holes to mount each end of the thicker electrical wire. Holes should be 10 to 15cm apart.
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Drill two holes to a depth of 1cm.
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Bend the heavier (12 gauge) wire into a shape so that each end will fit into the two holes.
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Make a loop of the thinner (14gauge) wire using the dowel to form a circle. Then use the Linesman Pliers to Twist the ends of the wire into a single strand. Note: Bare copper wire can be used for both step 4 and 5. Using insulated wire for either or both will give students the opportunity to use a wire stripper which is commonly used in the electrical trades.
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Slip the copper loop off the dowel, lift one end of the heavier gauge wire out of its hole, put the loop around the hole and re-insert the heavy wire.
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Use one of the alligator test leads and Connect one buzzer lead to one side of the heavy gauge wire. Use another test lead to connect the other buzzer lead to the battery clip. Then use the third test lead to connect the battery clip to the wire loop and the game is ready to be played!
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Solder alligator clips to the ends of the leads on the battery clip and buzzer, as shown in the first photo.
