The wide world of cool science has so much to offer for
children of all ages. Through the employment of kids science, your children can
begin to understand all of the incredible and awe inspiring phenomena that
occur in the world. And there is no age too young to begin learning about all
of the exciting things around you!
But don’t think that all kids science projects have to be
complex undertakings that require an in depth knowledge of the inner workings
of the world – in fact, something as incredible as building a homemade
flashlight can be done with a little bit of patience and a love for cool
science.
So if your child loves to learn about the world, try this
kids science project and build a shining light of your own.
What You Will Need
- A torch bulb (Not the
threaded kind)
- 2 D batteries
- Speaker wire (copper kind)
- Tape
- Scissors
- Any art supplies you want
to color and decorate your flashlight
Basics of the Project
The premise of this kids science project is very simple. You
will need to tape one end of the covered copper wire to the base (negative end)
of one of the batteries, and set them both together. Then, take the light bulb
and place it atop the positive end of the second battery, ensuring that it fits
tightly and they are in contact with one another at all times. Finally, take
the wire and place the loose end at the silver portion of the light bulb – if
the connection is in existence it should light up automatically. If it doesn’t
light up, or flickers, the connection is faulty – check to make sure that the
batteries are touching the wire, and that the wire is touching the bulb at all
times.
This is your basic flashlight!
Make a Case
Now that you have the basic design down, though, it is time
to make a case that will hold your new kids science project. One of the easiest
ways to create a case is by using cardboard rolled into a small tube in which the
batteries can fit snugly. You can also experiment with using pieces of
cardboard boxes, paper, or even aluminum cans to create the sturdiest
flashlight case you can.
After you have decided upon a case, it’s time to make a clear
cover that can protect the bulb and help project the light. For this it is easy
to use simple clear food wrap, or even a thin piece of clear hard plastic. Try
lining the edge of the flashlight case with protruding tin foil as well – this
will reflect the light and sharpen the projected beam.
If you would like to make an “on/off” switch for your
flashlight, instead of connecting the tip of the wire to the light bulb, leave
it disconnected, but secure the speaker wire with a paper clip that is
protruding outside of the case. Make it so that when you move the paper clip
forwards, the wire connects to the bulb – this will allow you to turn your
flashlight on and off whenever you would like!
Science of Light
Making a homemade
flashlight is a great way to introduce your children into the fun world of cool
science projects. Use this as a guideline to get started, and employ some of
your own creativity to make a finished product that will shine a little bit of
light in your lives!