Fizzbits - Add Fun To Your Maker Creations

Students will:

• Be able to build with paper or design something to print in 3D.
• Be able to attach the Fizzbit to the creation and make it come alive. 

Vocabulary Words:

1. Fizzbit: A Fizzbit brings fun and movement to mini-figures. It contains a vibration motor, and is recharged by plugging directly into a computer or USB power supply.

To prepare for this lesson:

• Purchase the Fizzbit
  • Order from the UK company. Give time for them to arrive. 

  • Fizzbits cost $4 – $6 each, depending on quantity. Shipping costs are around $30 whether you order 1 or 100 so save $ and order in bulk.

• Find ideas for papercraft projects at http://thecraftyrobot.net.

• Optional: Visit https://www.thingiverse.com/CraftyRobot/designs to find 3D objects you can print or customize. Start with the Creature Base, import into Tinkercad and create a one of a kind creature.

• Fizzbits have no on/off switch. It’s best attached to your character and charge them as a unit. The moment they are removed from the USB charger, they begin to vibrate.  

• Consider purchasing a multi-port USB charged and short USB extension cables to make it easier to charge without a device. I’ve had good luck with the LYFNLOVE 50W 10-Port USB Wall Charger $18 from Amazon and some 1.5ft USB 2.0 A Male to A Female Extension Cable – $1 each from MonoPrice.

• Place the double sticky tape on the pointed end of the fizzbit opposite the motor; the rectangular charging end must remain open to allow for plugging into a USB port for charging. 

• Attach the fizzbit to your character creation first; your entire creation with the fizzbit attached is charged as a unit. 

• Charge the fizzbit for 30 - 60 seconds (you can’t overcharge); once removed the fizzbit will immediately begin to vibrate (there is no on/off switch)  Vibration lasts 30 - 45 seconds. 

• Create a circle and have two or more fizzbit characters challenge each other. The one remaining wins!

See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. Have the students create something first to attach their Fizzbit to. 
2. The students can make their creation out of paper or with a 3D printer. 
3. There can be a tie-in to the curriculum for students who are learning about famous people. (Famous Faces - 8 pages of historical people faces)
4. Have the students place the double sticky tape on the pointed end of the fizzbit opposite the motor; the rectangular charging end must remain open to allow for plugging into a USB port for charging. 
5. Attach the fizzbit to the creation first; the entire creation with the fizzbit attached is charged as a unit. 
6. Charge the fizzbit for 30 - 60 seconds (It can’t be overcharged); once removed the fizzbit will immediately begin to vibrate (there is no on/off switch). Vibration lasts 30 - 45 seconds. 
7. Create a circle and have two or more fizzbit characters challenge each and the one remaining wins!

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding
• Create a rubric to assess:
  • Creativity
  • Ability to get the Fizzbit to work properly
  • Tie-in to curriculum topic