Make Light Sensor TapeBlock

Make a TapeBlock with a light dependent resistor that can be used in between a power TapeBlock and a light TapeBlock to dim the light and turn it off.

VIDEOLightSensor

Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of an M

Materials

  • Foam Block
  • Light Dependent Resistor (LDR)
  • Conductive Tape
  • Scissors

Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of a long I

Instructions

  • Take a clean foam block
  • Wrap a piece of conductive tape from the front of the foam block to the back and cut the tape. Leave a small gap and start a second piece of tape and wrap it from the back to the front and leave a small gap from the first piece of tape. Make sure that there is a gap in the two pieces of tape at both the front and the back.
  • Wrap a second piece of conductive tape all the way around the foam block parallel to the first piece of tape
  • Spread the legs on a light dependent resistor and place it bridging the gap at the tape at the front of the block. Then tape the legs down
  • The Light Sensing TapeBlock is complete. Place it between the Power and Light TapeBlocks and place a finger over the light dependent resistor and remove it to test if it is working as expected.
Decorative: LEDs laid out in the shape of a P

Problem Solving

  • Make sure that all of the componenets are facing the correct direction and that there is a gap in the tape at the front and back of the block on the side with the light dependent resistor
  • The light dependent resistor will only work if the light is within the constraints of the light in the room. If it is too dark you will not be able to see any change in the light.