The Sponge sensor works like a variable resister- electricty passes through a wet sponge. As the sponge is squished more or less water lets more or less electricity pass through. I made this to play with resistance and sound... Using the Scratch program this is a project that makes musical notes based on how much resistance there is in the sponge. To play with connecting the Sponge Music-project to Scratch you'll need a PICOboard along with the Scratch program.
Materials and Tools
Materials:
Plastic cardboard - 1 sheet ( or scrap piece at least 5x10 inches) We need plastic because this is going to get wet. Save and recycle those political yard signs!
Telephone wire - 2 pieces about 10 inches each. This is also recycled: old computer cables. It has nice colors as well.
Sponges - 1 ( you'll cut it in half to conserve) I recycle or purchase the synthentic traditional kitchen - sized sponges ( run them through a dishwasher if you want to clean old sponges.
Brass fasteners - 4 of these.
Washers - 4 small washers that just the legs of Brass fasteners can fit through.
Aluminum (metal) flashing tape - about 10 inches. I bought a roll because I use this in all sorts of projects - its great. Find it at big box and small hardware stores.
You need:
Scissors
Utility knife
Hole punch ( with long neck if you can find one)
Wire stripper
If available:
Awl ( for punching starter holes )
metal ruler or yardstick (for guiding straigh cuts in plastic)