Squishy Circuits

On NPR's Science Friday yesterday, an engineering professor talked about her research lab that primarily exists around the concepts of play- for her students as well as in the ideas they share so children can experience scientific concepts.  She asked her students to determine which play dough recipes (they used crafty kid books, etc...) would work to conduct electricity, act as insulators, etc... Her rationale was to support her own young children who were not even two years old at the time.  As a result, they have developed an idea called "squishy circuits."  This would be an awesome learning experience at recess, for some science units, at home family projects, etc...  The best part? She shares the recipes and concepts- you don't have to buy a book or kit or anything.  We've all made play dough for class or home at one point time, these recipes are the common, simple recipes we've used! This engineer says children of all ages can learn and experiment with circuits in this fashion.  

NPR interview, circuit diagrams and Ted talk: 

http://sciencefriday.com/teacher-resources/09/05/2014/squishy-circuits.html?interest=5&audience=4

Squishy Science Website: http://courseweb.stthomas.edu/apthomas/SquishyCircuits/