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Keep Out!

Source Institutions

    Twin Cities Public Television
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Keep Out!

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

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