Cool Projects

Make Your Own Lava Lamp

Quality AssuredCategory:ChemistryPublisher:Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme

This Catalyst article describes how to make a lava lamp by using three simple ingredients: vegetable oil, food colouring and fizzing tablets. The article also explains the processes taking place inside a real lava lamp and why they happen.

Making Ice Cream Without a Freezer

Quality AssuredCategory:SciencePublisher:Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme

Rudolph the Reindeer Christmas decoration with push switch on/off

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:Julie Boyd

This resource describes how to make a Rudolph christmas decoration using a PCB LED that sits under the fabric and lights up when you hold the switch hidden in his cheek.

The decoration is made out of felt fabric and is lightly stuffed to give a 3D effect. It uses embroidery stitches to decorate the surface and to join the edges.

The cell holder can be easily accessed via a hole in the chin area, held closed by a small popper. As the decoration is made from scratch, it does require some knowledge of basic textiles skills as well as a basic understanding of how to create a circuit.

Be my valentine

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:Julie Boyd

This resource describes how to make two hearts which light up when placed next to each other. Each heart has a magnet switch and magnet hidden along the side edges and once they are lined up with each other, a circuit is created.

A miniature cell holder is used along with a PCB LED that glows through the fabric. The cell holder can be accessed in order to change the battery via a small gap in the stitches on one of the sides of the heart.

Be seen, be safe

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:Julie Boyd

This resource describes how to make a safety armband or beltband.The projects use a basic e-textiles circuit, but a popper has been added into the circuit to create a switch. When the popper is open the circuit is broken and the LED will not light up. When the popper is closed the circuit is functional and the LED lights up.

Designing and Making with Textiles at Lower Key Stage Two: Designing a Printed Cushion Cover

Quality AssuredCategory:Textiles and FashionPublisher:Nuffield Foundation

One of the trial units from the Nuffield Primary Solutions in Design and Technology. In this unit, children design and make a small printed cushion cover.

The purpose of this activity is to explore the decorative use of lettering and pattern when
applied to fabric, and also to produce a useful item for the home.

Jack the Ripper: Whitechapel 1888

Quality AssuredCategory:Cross curricularPublisher:Centre for Science Education

Back pack cover with light sensor

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:Julie Boyd

Beanie hat with a standard and a PCB LED

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:Julie Boyd

Flower power hair accessory

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:Julie Boyd

Lazy daisy skirt with zip switch

Quality AssuredCategory:Design and technologyPublisher:Julie Boyd