In class, we were given the task to implement LEDs into Legos. Although I have never worked with circuits, I was confident in my knowledge of the way that they work. Along with that knowledge and my long history with Lego, I would consider this project to be in the familiar realm.
Instead of developing a new switch for the circuit, I decided to plow on without a switch. When I get stuck in a creative task like this, I find it helpful to go work on something else for a bit. It's hard for me to continue cranking away at the same problem over and over, so moving to another section of the build was a useful way to take a break, while continuing the process. I started to create a nice little nook for the battery to sit in the Legos. This also created a surface on both sides of the battery to connect the copper tape. In order to achieve the shape I wanted, I used some fun, unconventional methods to flip the bricks upside down. This was similar to one of the methods on Swooshable (here) that we viewed for an earlier assignment. I was surprisingly satisfied with how well the battery fit into the slot I made; luckily the battery was exactly the height of one Lego plate!
Although class was coming to an end, I wasn't quite ready to wrap-up! At that point, I felt that I had just finished experimenting with the copper tape. Once I had figured out it's possibilities I wanted to take it a step further to create a polished product. Inspired by a blue window piece that I put over the LED earlier in class, I wanted to try to get two lights going together, similar to a police siren. So here's a cool, little montage: This whole project was engaging, yet relaxing for me! I am always excited to get my hands on Legos, and I hope that this is not the last time that I add lights to them! My prior knowledge on ways to configure the the bricks, and my personal interest in Lego helped to promote my curiosity and creativity. I don't know if I would have been quite as ambitious with the lights if I had not known how to fit everything together the first run through.
Another aspect of the project that I surprisingly enjoyed, was getting to record it. I have never used a GoPro before, so this was a fun, new experience! I found it interesting to revisit the project from a different perspective; it definitely helped me to analyze some of the strategies that I used in this process. And on a side note, I love montages, so I think that was pretty cool. This project also sparked my interest in circuits, so I may be doing some more with circuits in the future. I understand the basics, but I would be interested in learning more about them and trying to push their limits.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |