Circuit Bending? Hacking your toys!

The fine folks at the Calgary Science center have initiated a side project called Local Library

Paige and Ellie were invited to be test participants.  The activities included:

• Building your own Theremin
• Demo of midi instruments
• Circuit bending

The Circuit Bending activity is very simple but great fun!  You take apart some electronic toys, preferably something that makes a noise.  Then you use a damp sponge to change the circuit and thus the sound coming from the toy.

Apart from the thrill of dismantling your favourite stuffy you also get the added benefit of making weird and wonderful sounds - no musical talent required.

Items to be fiddled with included an old keyboard, a musical greeting card, a furby along with the ever famous electronic Sponge Bob.  Imagine the tones that emerged.