How Polarity Works to Bring Your Projects to Life
The science behind electrical concepts and circuitry can sometimes seem confusing. But we created Squishy Circuits to help explain electricity in a way that’s easier to understand—and fun at the same time. Using our conductive dough and components, kids can explore and learn about science and engineering elements like voltage and polarity while also seeing how they function. Keep reading to find out how polarity works to bring your Squishy Circuits projects to life.
Polarity in Simple Terms
A circuit is a closed path that transfers electrical energy. Electricity travels along that path and then back to the power source again. The flow of energy is connected to the circuit by connection points called terminals. These terminals are labeled positive and negative. When you look at a battery, you can see the plus and minus signs on either end.
In standard circuitry, a positive terminal’s polarity means it has a higher voltage than the negative terminal. In conventional current flow (used in most circuit diagrams), electricity flows out from the positive terminal, through the circuit, and back into the negative terminal, completing the loop.
Why is Polarity Important?
Within a circuit, polarity is important for determining the flow of the electrical current to ensure the components relying on that circuit will have power.
Some devices, such as the motor used in Squishy Circuits, do not have polarity. In other words, it does not matter which way electrical current flows through them; instead, it changes the direction they spin! However, other devices such as LEDs and buzzers DO have polarity, and it matters which way the electricity flows through them. If the electricity is not flowing correctly, those components will not operate. For devices with polarity, we connect the red wire to the positive (red) terminal and the black wire to the negative (black) terminal of the power supply.
By following the step-by-step instructions for using the dough and the connecting components, we help children understand how these circuits work to power LEDs, fans, and buzzers. When their creations come to life, young scientists know their circuits have the proper power for the components to function. Otherwise, we encourage exploration and investigation to find out where the connections may have been lost and to try again. That’s how we learn.
Learn and Create with Squishy Circuits
In day-to-day life, many of us may not wonder about the nuances of electricity. And while electrical currents can be complex, they’re more easily understood when you learn and create with Squishy Circuits. Among other concepts, kids learn how polarity works to bring their projects to life. And the more they know, the more they want to invent, create, and explore.
Find out more about Squishy Circuits and how our projects can help your students or child learn about circuitry inside or outside the classroom.