Circuit Stick - Battery Stick

We present the Circuit Stick—a fun, hands-on way to introduce young learners to the basics of electricity and circuits! This project simplifies the traditional approach to circuit building by embedding components directly into craft sticks, making it easier and more engaging for kids to explore the magic of circuits.

With color-coded sticks and simple assembly using copper tape, children can quickly grasp the principles of how electricity flows, lighting up their creativity along the way. Perfect for classrooms, STEM workshops, or at-home activities, Stick Circuits are designed to make learning about electricity accessible, safe, and, most importantly, fun!

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create the Battery Stick. You can also check out instructions for other Circuit Sticks (https://www.instructables.com/Circuit-Stick/). Whether you’re an educator, parent, or maker, this guide will help you craft a useful tool for sparking curiosity and fostering hands-on learning in young minds. Let’s get started:)

To make Circuit Sticks:

1. Wooden Craft Sticks (4 1/2 x 3/8 x 1/12 inches)
2. Black and Red Markers
3. Double-Sided Conductive Tape (1/4 inches wide)
4. Scissors (or Craft Knife)
5. Clear Tape (or any non-conductive tape)
6. Coin Battery
7. Printer to print the instructions and worksheets

Tip: Use conductive fabric tape for easy reuse of the Circuit Sticks.

Use the red and black markers to color the ends of the stick. The red end represents the positive side, and the black end represents the negative side.

Apply conductive tape to the black (negative) side of the stick. Refer to printed instructions for the precise length and placement of the tape.

Position the battery on the stick with its negative terminal touching the conductive tape on the black side of the stick.

Secure the battery using clear tape (we used colored tape in the video to better show the tape placement). Be careful not to fully cover the positive terminal of the battery.

(Optional: Add conductive double-sided tape under the negative terminal for a more secure connection, or bend the conductive tape upwards to adhere to the negative terminal.)

Attach conductive tape from the positive terminal of the battery to the red side of the stick. Ensure a secure connection. You can use tape to completely wrap the battery and stick together.

Inspect the stick to make sure:

1. The positive and negative terminals of the battery are not connected by conductive tape.
2. The conductive tapes on both sides of the stick do not overlap or touch.

When not in use, insert a piece of paper between the battery and the stick to better avoid short-circuiting the battery.

Optionally, use an LED to test the Battery Stick to confirm it is functional.