Exchange: Using Squishy Circuit Technology in the Classroom

This paper presents exercises utilizing squishy circuits as an educational tool. Squishy circuits are constructed with conductive and insulating play dough, allowing students to sculpt their own circuits. Students can be taught in a hands-on exercise, using batteries and basic electronic components (light emitting diodes, DC motors, etc.). This method may allow electronics and circuit building concepts to be presented at a much younger age than with traditional methods, as there is no need for soldering irons or proto-boards. Some of the fundamental concepts that are explored include: electrical resistance, series and parallel circuits, current flow in a circuit, diodes, and batteries. This paper will present recipes for both the conductive and nonconductive dough, as well as exercises that can be used in the classroom.