Circuit Stick - Button 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 Button 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. Double-Sided Conductive Tape (1/4 inches wide)
3. Scissors (or Craft Knife)
4. Foam Tape (1/4 x 1/4 inches)
5. Printer to print the instructions and worksheets

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

Note: The Button Stick does not require labeling of positive and negative sides as it works in any direction.

Apply conductive tape to the long stick (base). Refer to printed instructions for the precise length and placement of the tape.

Prepare a shorter piece of stick to serve as the "top" of the button.

Apply conductive tape to this shorter stick, then attach foam tape to the flat side of the shorter stick.

Use the foam tape to bond the shorter stick (top) to the longer stick (base).

Apply the excess conductive tape from the shorter stick onto the longer stick to complete the circuit path.

Inspect the stick to make sure:

1. The short stick (top) does not make contact with the long stick (base) when it is not pressed.
2. The short stick (top) makes contact with the long stick (base) when it is pressed.
3. The conductive tapes on both sides of the stick do not overlap or touch.