Traffic Light Centers – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details FLA badge

Subjects *
Social Emotional Learning, Technology
Age Ranges *
14-18, 18+,
Fab Tools *
Laser Cutter, Classroom Materials, Hand Tools, Power Tools,
Author
Pamela González

Author

Pamela González
Pamela González
K-12 teacher

Summary

As education assistants in the elementary school setting, we frequently observe students’ need to confirm that their work aligns with the parameters and expectations established by the teacher. However, these interruptions—particularly during center-based activities—often become disruptive due to the high demand for attention. As a result, teachers may struggle to prioritize urgent inquiries that hinder a student’s progress and learning process, while simultaneously addressing multiple minor questions.

To address this challenge, we designed a traffic light system that allows students to communicate their needs effectively: indicating when they require guidance, when they have completed their work, and when they are working independently at an appropriate pace without the need for constant intervention or support.

 

 

 

 

What You'll Need

  • Greek cardboard (gray cardboard)
  • Laser cutter
  • Glue
  • Aluminum foil
  • Drill bit
  • Drill
  • 12 male jumper wires for use with a mini breadboard
  • 3 breadboards
  • 18 LED lights: 6 yellow, 6 green, and 6 red
  • AA battery holder
  • 6 AA batteries
  • Red, green, and yellow sticker paper
  • Three pairs of magnets or cuttable magnetic strips
  • Silicone
  • Hot glue gun
  • Laminating paper
  • Laminator

Reference

Lesson Materials

Learning Objectives

  • Students will learn how to make electrical connections using breadboards while understanding basic electronics terminology.
  • Students will be able to upload their designs into the laser cutter software and operate the machine using its basic functions.
  • Students will work collaboratively in teams, listening to all opinions and reaching a consensus on the final design.
  • Students will distribute tasks effectively to complete their project, demonstrating responsible time management.
  • Students will make effective use of traffic lights in the learning centers to indicate the progress of their assigned tasks.

 

 

 

Reflection

In this PBL project, both students and teachers noticed that time is often not used efficiently when addressing questions. The traffic light system they built helps improve this process. A yellow light indicates a minor question needing guidance, red shows the group is stuck and requires help, and green means they have resolved their doubts and are working confidently. This system promotes empathy among students and allows for better use of time during learning center activities.

The Instructions

Building the Traffic Light

Students will receive the traffic light design and a step-by-step guide for using the laser cutter software. They will learn how to program the cut, select the appropriate material, and adjust the cutting precision to create the pieces for their traffic light. This process allows them to understand how to perform cuts safely and accurately using a laser cutter.

  1. Open the program on the computer.
  2. Open the traffic light design.
  3. Configure the settings according to the action to be performed; in this case, cutting.
  4. Select the material to be cut.
  5. Frame the area where the cut will be made.
  6. Perform the cut.
  7. Assembly of parts.

 

 

Creating the Light System

In this stage, students will build a circuit to add lights to their traffic light using led lighst. They will follow a step-by-step guide to create the first circuit for the red light together as a group. Afterward, they will use the red light circuit as a model to build the circuits for the remaining two colors.

  1. Prepare materials: 6 LEDs, resistors (220 Ω or 330 Ω), breadboard, wires, AA battery holder with switch (2 AA batteries = 3 V total).
  2. Place the LEDs: Insert the 6 LEDs into the breadboard, all in the same orientation (anode = long leg, cathode = short leg).
  3. Connect resistors: Connect a resistor in series with each LED (either anode or cathode, as long as it’s in series).
  4. Make power connections: Connect the positive battery terminal to the anode row (or cathode row if preferred) and the negative terminal to the other side.
  5. Check connections: Make sure each LED has its resistor and correct polarity.
  6. Turn on: Insert the batteries into the holder and use the switch to light up the LEDs.

 

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