Teacher Notes
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Teacher Notes
Publication No. 14004
Make a Wire Maze Game—Flinn STEM Design Challenge™Materials Included In Kit
Aluminum wire, 16 gauge, 100 g
Connector cords with alligator clips, 24 Electrical tape, 2 rolls Foam bases, 6" x 2" x 1", 8 Piezo buzzers, 12-V DC, 8 Screw eyes, 8 Tongue depressors, 8 Additional Materials Required
(for each lab group)
Battery, 1.5-V in battery holder, 1 or 2 Scissors or wire cutters Various objects for testing (see Lab Hints section) Prelab Preparation
Safety PrecautionsUse caution when handling the aluminum wire as the ends may be sharp. A 1.5-V battery has a low current and is considered safe. Remind students to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory. Please follow all laboratory safety guidelines. DisposalMaterials may be stored for future use. Used aluminum wire may be thrown in the trash or check with local recycling centers. Lab Hints
Teacher Tips
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)†Science & Engineering PracticesAsking questions and defining problemsDeveloping and using models Planning and carrying out investigations Analyzing and interpreting data Obtaining, evaluation, and communicating information Disciplinary Core IdeasMS-ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering ProblemsMS-ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions MS-ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution HS-ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems HS-ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions HS-ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution Crosscutting ConceptsCause and effectSystems and system models Performance ExpectationsMS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. Answers to Prelab Questions
Sample Data{14004_Data_Table_1}
Answers to QuestionsEngineering Design and Procedure
Recommended Products
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Student Pages
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Student PagesMake a Wire Maze GameIntroductionPut your hand–eye coordination to the test! Learn about electric circuits, conductors and insulators and then apply your knowledge to make a fun wire maze game! Whose hand is steadiest? Concepts
BackgroundA continuous flow of electric charges is called a current. In order for a current to flow and do work, a complete circuit is needed. An electrical circuit has three components—a source of electrical energy (voltage) like a battery or generator, a conducting path like wires and resistance (e.g., a lightbulb, motor or speaker). In each of these examples, the electric energy is converted to light, motion or sound, respectively. The path through which the electricity flows must be continuous, or closed. If a break occurs anywhere in the circuit, it is considered an open circuit, and the current no longer flows. Experiment OverviewThe purpose of this activity is to make a wire maze game that depends on a steady hand for success! In the introductory activity, the conductivity of various materials will be investigated. The results will help guide the design of the game. Materials
Aluminum wire, 16 gauge, 18"
Battery, 1.5-V, in battery holder, 1or 2 Buzzer Connector cords with alligator clips, 3 Electrical tape Foam base, 6" x 2" x 1" Screw eye Tongue depressor, wood Various objects provided by instructor Wire cutters or scissors Prelab Questions
Safety PrecautionsUse caution when handling the aluminum wire as the ends may be sharp. A 1.5-V battery has a low current and is considered safe. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory. Please follow all laboratory safety guidelines. ProcedurePart A. Introductory Activity
The challenge is to make a wire maze game to test hand steadiness. The object of the game is to pass a wand with a conductive loop at one end along the length of the wire maze without making the buzzer sound. The loop must encircle the wire and if it touches the wire at any time as it is moved along, the buzzer sounds. Design Criteria and Constraints:
Form a working group with other students and discuss the following questions.
Student Worksheet PDF |