Energy Stick Human Circuit

The Energy Stick is a safe handheld circuit tester that lights up and buzzes when you complete a circuit by touching its electrodes. It demonstrates conductivity in people and materials, helping students explore conductors, insulators, and the idea of closed circuits.

1. Obtain an 'Energy Stick', which is a commercial device that lights up when a circuit is completed around it.
2. Hold the Energy Stick with one hand on each silver ring. Observe lights flashing and sounds buzzing.
3. Release one hand to “open” the circuit; note that the stick turns off. Grip both electrodes again to “close” the circuit and restart the lights and sound.
4. Gather a group of people, have everyone hold hands in a circle, and connect the Energy Stick at both ends of the circle. The whole group becomes part of the circuit.
5. Break the circle by letting go of one person’s hand; the stick shuts off. Reconnect to complete the circuit again.
6. Test different objects between the electrodes to see if they conduct electricity (e.g., metal tongs, cardboard, cloth, rubber, graphite, wood, etc.).
7. Try liquids: one person dips their hand into a bowl of water while holding an electrode, and another person dips into the same bowl while touching the other electrode. Observe whether the stick lights up. Test other liquids like juice or soda for comparison.

The Energy Stick (Human circuit /open and closed circuits) - Kids Fun Science:

Qualcomm Thinkabit Lab Presents: Human Circuit - University of California Television (UCTV):

📄 Energy Stick – Testing Conductors and Insulators - Steve Spangler: https://stevespangler.com/experiments/human-circuit/

• Form very large human chains (10, 20, or even 50 people) and see if the Energy Stick still works.
• Compare dry hands versus damp hands to see how moisture affects conductivity.
• Insert different materials into the human chain and test which ones break the circuit.
• Experiment with temperature effects (e.g., cold vs warm water as the liquid conductor).

• The Energy Stick uses very low voltage and current, making it safe for children and group activities.
• Do not attempt to open or modify the Energy Stick.
• If testing liquids, avoid spilling water near electrical outlets or other electronics.
• Clean and dry hands after using liquids to prevent slipping or accidental spills.

• Why does the Energy Stick light up when you touch both electrodes? (Because your body conducts electricity and completes the circuit.)
• Why does breaking the circle of people make the Energy Stick stop? (The circuit is open, so current cannot flow.)
• Which materials tested acted as conductors, and which acted as insulators? (Conductors allow electricity to pass through, insulators block it.)
• Why do damp hands or liquids improve conductivity? (Water with minerals or impurities allows electric charge to move more easily.)
• How does this activity compare to a real light switch in your home? (Switches and breakers also open or close circuits to stop or allow current flow.)