Make a bug-robot using a toothbrush and a motor

Introduction

This activity combines a fun craft activity with a simple DC motor circuit.

Key Concepts/Terminology

• Circuit - a loop made of different components that allows electricity to flow (must be a closed loop in order for it to work)
• Simple circuit - requires 3 things   
  • Energy source (battery)
  • Something conductive which allows the energy to flow (wire)
  • Output (motor) 
• Cathode - positive side of battery 
• Anode - negative side of battery 

Materials 

Per student:

• Toothbrush head
• coin cell battery (2023 lithium battery)
• 3 volt motor with wires attached
• Stickers/tape
• Mounting tape

Assembly of robotic bug/hexbug

• Test by taking the motor wires and placing it onto each side of the coin cell battery. Motor doesn’t work? Switch sides.
• Use tape or a sticker to secure the wire of the motor to the anode (negative side) of the battery
• Use a small piece of mounting tape to secure the battery with the motor wire taped to the bottom onto the flat part of the toothbrush head
• Remove the backing of the motor and secure it onto the toothbrush head as well.

Test and Operation

• Use a sticker to secure the lead to the cathode (positive side) of the battery. 
• When you place the sticker and close the circuit loop, the bug-robot/hexbug should move! The sticker will act as the switch. When you lift the sticker, it will break the circuit and stop the robot