Grade 5

Fizzbits - Add Fun To Your Maker Creations

Innovative Designer

Overview

Whether you build with paper or design something to print in 3D, the simple addition of a USB charged fizzbit vibrating motor can make your creation come alive. A Fizzbit, a product you currently must order from the UK, can easily be attached to a 3D printed object or papercraft character to make them vibrate and move. Your students will love it!

This is a fun STEAM activity that will take several class periods to complete. 

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

MITECS: Michigan adopted the "ISTE Standards for Students" called MITECS (Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students) in 2018.

Innovative Designer
4a. Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.
4b. Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design constraints and calculated risks.
4c. Students develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.

CONTENT AREA RESOURCES

The students will do research and write about their famous character. 

The students will create their own character out of paper or a 3D printer. 

The students can time their Fizzbits and deterimine whose is the fastest. 

The students are learning basic engineering skills. 

  • The teacher can tie-in famous characters for the students to learn about.

  • The students will do research about their character. 

  • The students will either draw their character's face or find an image to place on it. 

Credits
This task card was created by Andy Mann, REMC Director, Muskegon Area ISD and Melissa White, 21Things Project Manager. Updated October 2023.