Wire Maze

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Learners create an electrical-circuit maze out of wire, then try to pass a paperclip through the maze without touching the wire. If the paper clip touches the wire, it closes the circuit, causing a light to come on or a buzzer to sound. This activity requires a basic understanding of how to build an electrical circuit.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 5 m stripped wire
  • 1 pair wire cutters
  • 1 battery
  • 1 noise maker or light
  • 1 metal paper clip

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Circuits
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science as a Career
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving

Informal Categories

  • Electronics
  • Games

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • K-12 Outreach Office, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Source Collection

  • TeachEngineering

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Regents of the University of Colorado, 2013