TechyTron Colour Mixer STEM Kit

For Classes 3–4, ages 8–10, with adult guidance. No coding or soldering.

Engagement: 35–45 minutes. Explore 5 min · Build 15 min · Mix and record 15–25 min.

Included components

• 4 CELL AA BATTERY HOLDER WITH SWITCH / COVER — 1 holder
• AA BATTERY — 4 batteries (1.5 V alkaline AA cells.)
• Regulated 5 V Power Supply with Short-Circuit Protection — 1 power supply (Supplied in a screw-closed enclosure with fitted leads.)
• Small Breadboard / Mini Solderless Board - 400 points — 1 breadboard
• Jumper Wire Combo - Male to Male, Male to Female and Female to Female Breadboard Connecting Wires (10 Qty Each) — 1 set (Colour-coded leads supplied with fitted connectors.)
• Illustrated Activity Guide and Observation Sheet — 1 set
• RGB LED - 5mm - Common Cathode — 1 LED
• 330 Ω 1/4 Watts (10 PCS) — 3 resistors (Quantity is individual resistors supplied in this kit; the catalogue product is a 10-piece pack.)
• 2-Pin SPST ON-OFF Mini Rocker Switch - 2A 250V — 3 switchs
• RGB LED Light Diffuser — 1 piece
• RGB Colour Combination Chart — 1 piece

Steps to make it

1. With power off, connect the RGB common − terminal to power −.
2. Connect each R, G and B terminal through its own 330 Ω resistor and switch to power +, following the labelled card.
3. Turn on the supply. Switch on one channel at a time and name the light colours.
4. Try pairs of channels: R+G, G+B and R+B.
5. Try all three channels together and then all switches off. Record all eight combinations.

What children learn

• An RGB LED contains three separately controlled light sources.
• Red, green and blue light mix additively.
• Three ON/OFF controls give eight combinations, including all off.

Test challenge

What colour does each combination produce? Change the switches while keeping the supply and diffuser unchanged.

Observation task

Complete the eight-row switch chart with the colour you actually observe.

Expected result

Pairs produce yellowish, cyan and magenta light. All three produce a pale mixed colour; it may not look pure white because channel brightness differs.

Troubleshooting

Check the shared cathode and individual channel labels with power off. Each channel must retain its resistor.

Try next

Ask a partner to set a colour, then work out which switches are on.

Use and supervision

Use only the supplied low-voltage power unit. Switch power off before changing connections. Keep metal objects across the test gap only, never across the battery terminals. Keep liquids away. Adults handle battery access and inspect parts. Kit 8 uses an enclosed motor indicator, not an exposed propeller. Use the buzzer at a comfortable level away from ears.

See how it works

Download the illustrated activity guide

Coming soon. Timing is estimated for guided first use. Illustrations show the learning principle; supplied assemblies are subject to final validation.