Create your own light up acrylic name badge in minutes with this simple STEAM activity.
This simple activity teaches kids about optics and circuitry through an engaging art activity. You start with a blank piece of acrylic and etch your name or design on it using an (included) safety pin. Once finished add in an LED to make your project light up! This process is typically called "edge lit acrylic" and you can often find it being used for fancy Exit or shop display signs.
The kits come with all the parts needed; acrylic blanks, safety pins, batteries, blue LEDs, and dot stickers. You will need to provide your own dry erase markers, or something similar, to complete this project. All kits are shipped with special blue LEDs. We've found that blue has the most vibrant appearance under all lighting conditions.
This project is for ages 10 and up, and younger students will find this project very difficult to do on their own. The included coin cell batteries will last several days, slowly becoming dimmer. They can easily be replaced with a similar battery.
Warning: Kit includes small parts and batteries. These are a choking hazard. Not intended for children under the age of 10.
Directions, Lesson Plans, and Videos
Printable directions and a step by step video can be found on our online Project Database.
If you have access to your own laser cutter or CNC router our design files are available for download. Use your machines to etch in your digital files and designs.
