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In this technology activity, learners build an "alarming" doormat to keep siblings out of their rooms. Use this activity to teach learners about circuits, switches, and sensors.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • small electric buzzer (2V)
  • insulated wire, metal paper clips or aluminum foil
  • 9V alkaline battery with snap connector
  • tape
  • switch materials (e.g., large plastic drinking straws, kitchen sponges, or other compressible, nonconductive materials)
  • scissors
  • mat (e.g. doormat, bath mat, or large towel)
  • wire cutter/stripper (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
    • Technology
      • Information and Communication
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electric Circuits
    • Motion and Forces
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Electronics

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • hear
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

  • Girls

    • Explicity developed for this group
    • Acknowledges this group's contributions to STEM
    • Highlights STEM opportunities for this group
    • Identifies role models or mentors in STEM fields from this group
    • Uses inclusive images of people from this group

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2010

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0813519
  • ExxonMobil