User login

Dance Pad Mania

Source Institutions

    WGBH
Add to listGo to activity
Dance Pad Mania

Make your own "Dance Dance Revolution" dance pad! In this design challenge activity, learners work in teams to build a dance pad that lets you use your feet to sound a buzzer or flash a light. The activity is a fun, hands-on way for learners to get a taste for the design process as they are encouraged to "build, test, and redesign."

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1.5-volt AA battery
  • AA battery holder (optional)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Bulb holders for light bulbs (enough for half the group)
  • Buzzers (enough for half the group)
  • 2 11 x 17-inch sheets of corrugated cardboard (per team)
  • Duct tape
  • Electrical wire (22-gauge works well)
  • Light bulbs that can run on a 1.5-volt AA battery
  • Plastic wrap
  • Scissors
  • Wire strippers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
    • Technology
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Circuits
    • Light and Optics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Problem Solving
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Electronics
  • Performing Arts
  • Physical Activity
  • Sports and Exercise
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • hear
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection:

  • Design Squad Nation

Rights:

  • All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2010

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 0810996

Share

User Lists

This resource is part of these lists: