About Squishy Circuits 

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Our History

Squishy Circuits was developed in 2011 in the Playful Learning Lab at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. AnnMarie Thomas, the founder and director of the Playful Learning Lab, and undergraduate researchers, including Matthew Schmidtbauer and Sam Johnson, created a method for using homemade conductive and insulating doughs to teach electrical circuits and engineering concepts through play.

While finishing school and working a full-time engineering job, Schmidtbauer developed the business of Squishy Circuits Store, LLC. He found a reliable vendor of safe, quality products and began building the kits in his garage, which he sold to educators and creators worldwide. Eventually the demand for the kits grew enough that Schmidtbauer left his full-time position to focus exclusively on Squishy Circuits.

Squishy Circuits has even been invited to the White House

Dr. AnnMarie Thomas

Matthew Schmidtbauer

Want to learn more about what inspired the creation of Squishy Circuits? Dr. AnnMarie Thomas explains and demonstrates electrical properties in this Ted Talk.

Safe & Fun

Squishy Circuits play dough is non-toxic and all electrical circuits secure and safe, allowing your kids hours of fun with peace of mind for you!

Educational

All products and projects fit Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in the US but can also work with any science or engineering lesson plans and STEM activities.

Sustainable

Both conductive and insulating dough can be made at home or school with basic ingredients found at your grocery store for endless amounts of color options and fun!