Traffic Light Centers – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details FLA badge

Subjects *
Design, 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 educators, 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.

To address this challenge, A group of teachers and me 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 by switching the lights.

Note: In this case the teachers were my students. 

 

 

 

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 build simple circuits using a breadboard, battery, wire, and led lights.
  • Students will describe how a design goes from a computer to a laser-cut object, and upload a design to the laser cutter program and use basic functions with guidance.
  • Students will suggest ways to improve their project after testing it.
  • Students will reflect on whether the traffic light system helped them in class when working on centers.

 

 

 

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.

 

Note: Teachers felt very confortable with the introduction to the laser cutter, they faced some issues by installing the software because of the permissions in the school, but once they used my computer, they were able to choose a design to cut and engrave.

The timing was a big issue due we only have one laser cutter, so as a piece of advice, you can give the introduction to the laser cutter once they have the software installed and then they can find a spot in their free time to go to the FabLab and finish their design, so the rest won’t wait too much.

Estimated timing:

Laser cutter induction: 30 min.

Laser cutter use: 30 min.

Light system: 30 min.

Parts Assembly:20 min.

 

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 machine, 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. Install and open the program on the computer.
  2. Open the traffic light design. (Boxes.py)
  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.
  8. Paste the aluminium foil inside
  9. Add the transparent material as screen.

 

 

Creating the Light System

In this stage, we will build a circuit to add lights to their traffic light using led lights. They will follow a step-by-step guide to create their 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.

 

Assembly of parts

Students will assembly the traffic light pieces and the light system.

  • Assemble parts following the picture of the real model of the traffic light.
  • Add the lights Red, Yellow and Green in that order, from up to down.
  • Add the battery holder and paste it behind the traffic light.

 

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