
Learn how to create your own DIY Circuit flower for fun STEAM learning at home.
Start by flattening a coffee filter on a plate or other easy to clean surface. Using a washable marker draw a thick lined circle about half way between the middle and edge. You can use one colour, alternate colours, or even create a few circles (leave a wide space in between).
Now add about a teaspoon of water to the middle of the coffee filter. As the water moves through the paper it will spread the colours out, and depending on your colours, may cause them to separate.
Let dry completely.
Test the LED. Simply slip your coin battery between the legs of the LED. If it doesn't work, turn the battery around. If it still doesn't work you need a different LED.
Cut your wires and strip the ends. You need two wires, approximately 8 inches in length. Strip about half an inch from each end to expose the wire. These are your contact points with your battery and LED.
Take your coffee filter paper and grab it in the middle, roll and bunch it to gather it up and form your flower. You should have a small "stalk".
Push the legs of the LED bulb through the paper just off to the side of the stalk in your paper.
Now wrap one wire tightly around the first leg. Repeat with the other wire around the second leg.
Slide the legs of the LED onto the end of your clothespin, so one leg is on each side. Tape into place. Now tape your stalk to the other clothespin end. This is to help secure everything.
Wrap the wires around your clothespin, then separate the wires, and wrap them individually around each side as you get down to the clamping end of your clothespin. You want to end your wrap with the stripped part of your wire on the inside of the clothespin.
Now slide your battery into the clothespin so it makes contact with the wires. If it doesn't work, turn your battery around.
You can wrap the clothespin with green pipecleaners to finish it off so it looks nice.
To turn on your flowers, simply open the clothespin and insert the battery. To turn them off, remove the battery. Do not leave turned on for long periods of time.
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