Iranian Researchers Make Toys to Teach Science to Kids
“With a research we conducted in cooperation with the nano field experts, we came to the conclusion that there is a group of materials that can create electrical conductivity with the use of nano technology, for example ink,” Simin Afazali, the designer of nano electric educational toys told ANA correspondent in an interview.
“I came up with the idea to familiarize kids with nano technology and modern technology with a new product,” she added.
Touching upon the way of teaching conductive circuit in schools, she said, “In schools, students are taught electrical circuit technology in subjects such as ‘work and technology’, in a way that the electric current is transmitted through the circuit and conductive wire and causes the lamp to turn on; In higher grades, this topic is extended to the subject of magnetism in physics,” the researcher explained.
Referring to the point that conductive ink can be used instead of conductive wire, Afazali said, “We came to the conclusion that why we should not use conductive ink, which is also a nano product, instead of copper wire (which is conductive).”
Conductive ink is an ink that results in a printed object which conducts electricity. It is typically created by infusing graphite or other conductive materials into ink.
The executive director of the project further said that their team was successful to turn their product into toys and entertainment for children, adding, “In this project, which advanced successfully, we considered a small LED lamp with a normal battery. Then we implemented a plan that is attractive to children and teenagers.”
“We designed a circuit in the form of drawing; for example, think of a police car that a child can switches its lights on by painting the light track of this toy car to its door with conductive ink. In addition to teaching the concept of conductive circuit to the child, this product also brings painting skills and entertainment. This way, it is scientifically acceptable for younger children to understand the concept of circuit,” Afazali added.
The designer of the nano-electric educational toy pointed to the students' feedback when faced with their product, adding, “Students who are more familiar with the meaning of circuit ask us in the exhibitions that we can use this ink to turn on the computer instead of using cables and wires. Or this conductive ink can replace the TV power cord? As children are forced to think in this way and new ideas come to their minds, we realize that we have reached the objective of research.”
According to her, the product is suitable for elementary or high school students.
“Our product is currently presented at the exhibition level but we are thinking of offering it to the market,” the researcher further told ANA.
She concluded by saying that their prime goal is to teach elementary science with toys.
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