Re: [k-12-fablabs] 2nd Grade Sign Making Project with LED lights

[Lisa Heineman]

Here is a project from Geek Mom Projects that uses regular LEDs, but is very simple. I have used it with upper elementary students and it works pretty well. It does use coin batteries which are a choking hazard for small children. It could be easily adapted into other configurations, maybe even working with larger batteries.

Lisa Kunkle Heineman, MSME, MEd

Industrial Automation Instructor

On Tue, Mar 24, 2026 at 5:43 PM 'John Hawkins' via K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces <k-12-f...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

Hi everyone! 

We're working on a project where 2nd grade students are building prototype signs. Like an exterior business neon sign style model, not an informational bathroom sign. They want to put on LEDs for lettering or enhanced lettering. Has anyone ever messed around with cuttable LED light strips? How easy are they to use for multiple projects? Like could I buy one roll and a whole class cut and use it?

If so, any recs on the best equipment to get? Looking at like 16 groups.  

- John

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "K-12 Fab Labs and Makerspaces" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to k-12-fablabs...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/k-12-fablabs/41e89468-09cf-4581-ad44-b7d248992824n%40googlegroups.com.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:

This e-mail transmission and accompanying documents (attachments) contain confidential and legally privileged information that is intended only for the individual named in the e-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, printing, distribution, action or reliance upon the contents of this e-mail message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail transmission in error, please contact the sender or phone Lehigh Career & Technical Institute 610-799-2300 and delete the message from your system. Thank you.

Lehigh Career & Technical Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

[Jesse D Robinson]

Hi John,

If you use LED strips I would recommend these accessories from Amazon:  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBPPWP12?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

and these...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBPQC78C?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

The first link is for wired extendors which might make soldering/connecting easier....

The second link is for connecting strips together.

Typically you can get a roll and cut them to length.

[Jaymes Dec]

I can also recommend using something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Cuttable-Strobing-Electroluminescent-Decoration/dp/B09MLXFTXJ

They come with battery packs and don't need a microcontroller. 

We made "neo" signs like the image attached. We used a cnc machine to cut out the grooves to hold the lights, but you might be able to adapt the idea to make it easier for younger kids. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/k-12-fablabs/CAKnLQLJksb%3Dj0%2BCtnhP-HKpq_-OJx%2BF%3DF2b%2BNjuTUfVG%3Dc0OgA%40mail.gmail.com.

--

Jaymes Dec
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++               
About Me
What did you make today?

---------------------------------------------------------------