Homemade Switches
.gif)
Explore the conductivity of everyday materials to create homemade switches that control a variety of outputs and complexify larger projects
Share what you create and try out with us by using the hashtag #HomemadeSwitches.
Materials
What’s conductive around you? Explore materiality as you gather interesting, conductive objects to make delightful switches. Combine these with craft materials to customize your designs and add personality and whimsy.
Here are some materials to keep in mind as you collect your materials set:
☐ Conductive Materials: aluminum foil, graphite pencils, electrical wire, copper wire, copper tape, kitchen utensils, metal spring, pot lids, steel ball bearings, Play-Doh
☐ Craft Materials: clothespins, colorful paper, craft foam, feathers, balloons, recyclables
☐ Electronics Components*: battery packs, variety of outputs (motors, lights, buzzers), multimeter, alligator clips
*See Circuit Boards to learn how to make our battery packs and output blocks.
.png)
Get Started
Start your initial explorations by making a circuit with a simple switch. This usually consists of three parts: the power source (like a battery pack), an output (like a light bulb or LED), and your switch. We recommend starting with aluminum foil because it’s easy to manipulate, and alligator clip wires are a great way to build connections between components.
Different Types of Switches
Donut Switch
You can make a simple push switch with two pieces of aluminum foil separated by a "donut" of craft foam. The foam holds the pieces apart until you push on the center of the top piece of foil to bring the two sheets together to complete the circuit.
Clothespin Switch
Depending on where you place conductive material, clothespins can make switches that are always on or off.
Feather Switch
Switches can come in many forms, including this feather switch! When the spring holding the feather comes in contact with the copper tube, it momentarily completes the circuit.
Play With Cause and Effect
Homemade switches can add magic and suspense to a chain reaction. They help keep the momentum going and create variation in the machine. Play around with your switch and play around with adding another element. For the chain reaction on the left, how would you extend it?
The tennis ball rolls and knocks down the block, which completes the switch and spins the fishbowl, and then ...
Programmable Light
This unique switch built inside a Light Play box uses a slow moving motor to turn on and off a light. Notice the tiny bobble underneath the spinning platform. When it touches the block on the left, it completes a circuit momentarily. This on-and-off pattern makes a simple, analog program, all achieved with everyday materials!
Resources
Secret Life of Components: Switches
Long-time collaborator Tim Hunkin is an engineer, cartoonist, and superb storyteller. In his YouTube series The Secret Life of Components, he unpacks commonly used materials for making and tinkering. Check out this 30-minute video where he uncovers the secret life of switches.
Related Activities
Circuit Boards
Add inputs and outputs to homemade switches using electronics components.
Squishy Circuits
Continue circuit explorations with PlayDoh and LEDs!
Chain Reaction
Build suspense into a chain reaction machine with switches and circuits.
Toy Take Apart
Save interesting toy parts to bring to life with your switches.
Light Play
Add drama to a light and shadow vignette by turning on and off lights.
Circuit Workbench
This adaptation on the Exploratorium exhibit explores making circuits with everyday materials.
Readings
Homemade Switches Activity Guide
Our PDF on Homemade Switches offers a printable way to share ideas related to this activity.
.png)
Engineer's Mini Notebook: Sensor Projects by Forrest M Mims III
We love the aestethics and content of Mims' books. His books, widely sold at RadioShack, were hand drawn and written. Mims comes from an amateur science background, and his detailed explanations leave readers feeling empowered to try out circuitry on their own.
Exploratorium Exhibits
Circuit Workbench
Tucked amongst other electricity and magnetism gallery at the Exploratorium lives a hands-on approach to exploring circuits using everyday materials. Learn more about the Circuit Workbench exhibit.