Name: Hands-on science with squishy circuits
Uploaded: 2011-04-04T02:16:00Z
Duration: 3 min 51 s
Description: In a zippy demo at TED U, AnnMarie Thomas shows how two different kinds of homemade play dough can be used to demonstrate electrical properties -- by lighting up LEDs, spinning motors, and turning little kids into circuit designers.

AnnMarie Thomas: Hands-on science with squishy circuits

Hands-on science with squishy circuits

In a zippy demo at TED U, AnnMarie Thomas shows how two different kinds of homemade play dough can be used to demonstrate electrical properties -- by lighting up LEDs, spinning motors, and turning little kids into circuit designers.

Hands-on learning becomes truly accessible when everyday materials foster real exploration. By using homemade Play-Doh with different resistances, children can safely build circuits that light LEDs and spin motors. Mixing salt-based and sugar-based doughs allows even tiny hands to grasp electrical concepts usually reserved for older students. A kitchen can transform into an engineering lab where curiosity and creativity drive discovery.