4026

Project step photo 2
Project step photo 2

STEP 1

Prepare the Cardboard for the Pressure Plate

  • Make sure the three pieces of cardboard are the same size.
  • Cut the center out from one piece leaving at least a one inch border.
  • Line one side of another piece with aluminum foil and use the masking tape to secure it to the cardboard.
  • Repeat the previous step by lining the remaining piece of cardboard with foil.
  • Sandwich the three pieces together so that the cut piece is between the two sides with foil.
Project step photo 2
Project step photo 2

STEP 2

Add the Wires

  • Before securing the three pieces of cardboard together, cut two ten inch pieces of hook-up wire and strip one inch of insulation off all four ends.
  • Tape one wire to one side of cardboard that has foil on it so that the exposed wire is making contact with the foil.
  • Repeat this step with the other wire and the other piece of cardboard that has foil.
  • Now secure all three pieces of cardboard together with tape.
Project step photo 2
Project step photo 2

STEP 3

Build your Circuit

  • Take one of the wires that you just attached and secure the other end to the negative pin on an LED using electric tape.
  • Now stack the coin cell batteries so that the positive end touches the negative end. Tape the positive pin on the LED to the positive side of the battery stack.
  • Complete the circuit by attaching the remaining pressure plate wire to the negative side of the battery stack. Secure everything with tape.
Project step photo 2

STEP 4

Test your Pressure Plate!

Press down onto the cardboard to make the two aluminum foil sides make contact and complete your circuit! The LED should light up when you press down.

Project step photo 2
Project step photo 2

STEP 5

Ghost: Create the Shape

  • Using the craft knife, cut a small hole into the ping pong ball. An LED should be able to fit inside the hole.
  • Next, wrap the tissue paper around the ghost leaving the hole still exposed.
  • Loosely secure the tissue paper to the ping pong ball using the rubber band.
Project step photo 2

STEP 6

Finish your Ghost!

  • Give your ghost a face and then test it out with your new pressure plate.
  • Place the LED inside the hole that you cut into the ping pong ball and light up your ghost!
Project step photo 2
Project step photo 2

STEP 7

Suspend the Ghost

  • Measure out enough hook-up wire to span from floor to ceiling, then double it and cut it. Repeat this step with a second piece of wire.
  • Connect the two wires to the two pins on the LED. Remember which wire is on the negative pin and which is on the positive pin!
  • Now use the wires to suspend the ghost from the ceiling and run the remaining wire down the doorframe and to the pressure plate on the floor
Project step photo 2
Project step photo 2

STEP 8

Connect the Ghost to the Pressure Plate

  • Connect the wire that is attached to the negative pin on the LED to one of the wires sticking out of the pressure plate.
  • Connect the other wire that is sticking out of the pressure plate to the negative end of the battery stack.
  • Connect the wire that is attached to the positive pin on the LED to the positive side of the battery stack.
  • Tightly secure everything with electric tape.
Project step photo 2
Project step photo 2

STEP 9

Test your Booby Trap!

  • Tape down any loose wires and throw a rug over your pressure plate.
  • Now step on the rug to light up your ghost!v

Please Note

Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. Power tools, electricity, and other resources used for these projects are dangerous, unless used properly and with adequate precautions, including safety gear and adult supervision. Some illustrative photos do not depict safety precautions or equipment, in order to show the project steps more clearly. Use of the instructions and suggestions found in Maker Camp is at your own risk. Maker Media, Inc., disclaims all responsibility for any resulting damage, injury, or expense.


Ghost Booby Trap

Project hero image
Maker Camp Project Time Icon

TO COMPLETE

WHAT WILL YOU MAKE?

WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

  • 3 Pieces of Cardboard
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Masking Tape
  • Insulated hook-up Wire
  • Wire Strippers
  • 2 Coin Cell BAtteries
  • LED
  • Ping Pong Ball
  • Craft Knife
  • Tissue Paper
  • Rubber Band
  • Marker